The Grade II*-listed Hill Garden Pergola was today (November 6) placed on Historic England’s Heritage at risk register, recognising it as a top priority to be saved.
Its condition was described as “very bad”, at a “high” level of vulnerability and “declining”.
The pergola was listed as priority ‘A’, with “immediate risk of further rapid deterioration or loss of fabric; no solution agreed”.
The City of London Corporation, which is responsible for the Heath, has pledged to safeguard the secluded Edwardian gem for future generations amid hope the listing could unlock vital funding and support.
They say its inclusion on the register reflects the natural ageing of the pergola’s construction and materials, and the challenges of maintaining it over the decades.
The garden dates back to 1906 and was built by philanthropist and politician Lord Leverhulme as a grand terraced garden for hosting summer parties in the garden of his Hampstead Home.
The 170-metre-long walkway, with its stone balustrades and wooden trellising, was raised 20 to 30ft above the ground, reportedly using materials from excavating the Northern Line.
By the time London County Council inherited care of the landmark it was in a bad state, but was restored and opened to the public in 1963.
Since 1989 it has been looked after by the City of London Corporation, which has undertaken several repairs – including putting in new stone columns and reinforced oak framework when severe storms damaged the colonnades.
Now one of the Heath’s most beloved features, it is visited by thousands of walkers each year and ongoing maintenance includes regular inspections and the upkeep of walkways, balustrades, and bridges.
This year, repairs were carried out to the Pergola’s red-brick section, including timber bracing and temporary scaffolding to keep the public safe.
Edward James at Historic England said the register is designed to draw attention to historic places in need, and bring bodies together to focus on restoring them.
“We’re working closely with the City of London Corporation and Camden Council to develop a way forward to conserve this remarkable structure,” added.
Chair of the City Corporation’s Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood and Queen’s Park Committee, Alderman Gregory Jones KC, described the pergola as one of Hampstead Heath’s hidden gems – “a romantic and much-loved space, steeped in history”.
“We’re proud to care for it and welcome Historic England’s support in recognising the need for focused, long-term conservation,” he said.
“This status will help us seek to unlock vital funding and expert support, strengthening the case for external grants and charitable donations.
“With safety, sustainability, and public enjoyment at the heart of its care, this marks a turning point — not of decline, but of renewed investment in one of Hampstead Heath’s most treasured landmarks.”
The Grade II* listed Pergola recently won Gold in the 2025 London in Bloom Awards for ‘walled garden of the year’ and is one of the few surviving examples of its kind in the country.
