author
Mrs. Evelyn Cecil
1865–1941
Best known as Mrs. Evelyn Cecil, she wrote warmly and knowledgeably about gardens, helping turn English garden history into a subject readers could enjoy as well as study. Her books blend careful research with an eye for the beauty and character of historic landscapes.
1 Audiobook
London parks and gardens
by Mrs. Evelyn Cecil
About the author
Born Alicia Margaret Tyssen Amherst in 1865, she was an English horticulturist, botanist, and writer. After marrying Evelyn Cecil in 1898, she often published as Mrs. Evelyn Cecil, the name under which many readers first encountered her work.
She is especially remembered for A History of Gardening in England, widely described as the first scholarly history of the subject. She also wrote books including London Parks and Gardens, bringing together practical knowledge, historical curiosity, and a clear affection for plants and designed landscapes.
Later known as Baroness Rockley, she continued to be associated with gardening and natural history throughout her life. She died in 1941, leaving behind writing that still appeals to readers interested in gardens, landscape history, and the culture surrounding them.