Rendle Street

In the early nineteenth century John Rendle, “nursery and seeds man” was operating his business on the then developing outskirts of Plymouth a little to the west of the modern Western Approach. By 1850 our seedsman had cultivated a large area of land and in that year there was a grand opening of Rendle's Botanic Gardens, which extended the whole length of the fittingly named Flora Street (only a part of which survives today).

Upwards of 5,000 people attended the opening, including “Nepaulese” Ambassador, on that sunny day in August. The gardens were for many years a major local attraction ... “the horticulturist is attracted by the various hues and shades of Nature's productions, and inhales her sweet odours in passing around ... the green, peach and pine houses, melon and cucumber pits”.

In addition to these natural attractions there was also an archery field and a pleasure promenade ... all long since gone, but recalled in name at least in the street that runs parallel to this part of Union Street.