Rock Gardens and Cascade, Madeira Walk

Rock gardens and cascade designed in 1892-1893 by the Borough Engineer, W A McIntosh Valon with James Pulham and Son.

MATERIALS and PLAN: Pulhamite of varied colours in imitation of geological strata, overlaying a base of mixed masonry hardcore, with terracotta embellishments. The Pulhamite forms the sides of an artificial gorge, through which the roadway of Madeira Walk follows a sinuous route as it climbs uphill for a distance of approximately 180metres. The Pulhamite rockwork is arranged at either side of the road and varies in height from approximately 1 to 4m.

EXTERIOR: the northern range begins at the junction of Madeira Walk, Harbour Parade and Albion Place with a cylindrical terracotta capped pier bearing coats of arms (the Cinque Ports, Ramsgate etc.). From here a mid-C20, concrete balustrade (replacing the terracotta original) follows up along the south side of Albion Place for approximately 70m, with Pulhamite rock formations stepping down beneath it to connect with the Madeira Walk roadside. Where Albion Gardens begins at the end of this run there is a second capped pier and a dog-legged stair gives access back down to Madeira Walk. The final section of balustrade after the stair is missing, due to damage. Grottos containing benches sit either side at the base of the stair on Madeira Walk. To the near centre of the northern range is a cascade which flows from Albion Gardens under a short bridge, also of Pulhamite, down to a pond by Madeira Walk. Behind the cascade, and towards the end of Madeira Walk, further small outcrops of Pulhamite shelter seating areas. The War Memorial, which stands to the south-east of the cascade, was erected in 1920 and designed by Gilbert Bayes and is separately listed (LE 1085348).

The southern range also has large boulder formations of differently-coloured strata, including some genuine sandstone boulders, as well as short tunnel and archway openings, along with a stair, providing pedestrian and vehicular access to the rear courtyards of the Harbour Parade properties which lie behind. The inner faces of the tunnel, archway and the courtyard side of the range are similarly constructed in Pulhamite. The western end of the southern side abuts the Portland stone side wall of Number 52, Harbour Parade at ground floor level. A small outlier of rock sits at the top of Kent Steps. The Pulhamite structures were designed to incorporate planting troughs and both ranges contain various bedding plants and shrubs.

This list entry was subject to a Minor Amendment on 04/05/2020