I am researching/writing a history of Townhill Park, essentially the house, but also the original country estate in general.
I found there seems to be very little about Swan Nurseries (Mansbridge Road/Gaters Hill) from the 1940s/50s to its acquisition by Haskins in 1991.
Unfortunately the current coronavirus situation means I am unable to find anything from Haskins, and West End Local History apparently only have a photo of several very primitive basic market stalls.
Rosalind Wilkinson’s book on Townhill Park implies the post-house sale period Swan Nurseries may have first still been owned by Lord Swaythling, but later sold exotic rare shrubs. Unfortunately again there is a long gap before the 1990s.
Can anyone help fill this in, please?
Dates, facts, names, preferably!
Also, again there seems very little (without access to the Civic archives) on the 1960s Townhill Park housing estate, especially the early days of development and life there. Again anything of factual or personal interest. Please note: all used contributions will be full acknowledged.
Many thanks in anticipation. Please contact me at GAAG19@outlook.com
Garth Groombridge
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