Comments on: The Ruins, Sydenham Hill, London https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/ Rambles to, and ramblings about, Follies and Garden and Landscape Ornament. Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:42:34 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Tim https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-25963 Sat, 13 Jun 2026 10:42:34 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-25963 In reply to Editor.

actually having now read James Pulham’s book I think it is more likely that it is a rockery, with the hollowed out ‘stone’ containing soil for cascading ferns or alpines.

]]> By: Editor https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-25962 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:31:30 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-25962 In reply to Tim.

Hello Tim. I’m very pleased you enjoyed this post, and thank you for the information about the water. I will investigate further next time I visit.

]]> By: Tim https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-25961 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 15:44:30 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-25961 Really good article thanks. Behind the folly as you have pictured is what I believe are the remains of the ‘rocky stream’ mentioned. There is a gully by the folly and what looks like a Pulhamite constructed cascade running down it. Knowing that further up the hill remain sections of pipes, I’d say that water was pumped down to create the stream and water cascade and then pumped up the hill again. It’s not easy to see where the stream might have ended without digging, but there’s plenty more space for a stream as the garden ran down to the railway line.

]]> By: Editor https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-11156 Wed, 10 May 2023 11:39:58 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-11156 Hello Ed. Very pleased to have added a little to your fascinating family history. Thanks for getting in touch.

]]> By: Edmund (Ed) Stone https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-11151 Tue, 09 May 2023 15:39:26 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-11151 Another great ‘Folly’ article – thank you for this latest one on Sydenham Hill. I was so pleased to see the photo and print of “Fairwood” house, built by David Henry Stone. I have been searching for an image or photo of this house for some time, to add to my Stone family tree. Thank you also for the link to the “Shell House” at Staunton/Leigh Park.

]]> By: Editor https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-11146 Mon, 08 May 2023 19:48:09 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-11146 In reply to Garance.

Good evening Garance. I’m not aware of any direct link between Coade and the Pulham family, but I’m sure the Pulhams must have known about her work. I’m no expert on the technical make-up of the two artificial stones I’m afraid – both were carefully guarded secret recipes I suspect. A fascinating subject.

]]> By: Garance https://thefollyflaneuse.com/the-ruins-sydenham-hill-london/#comment-11145 Mon, 08 May 2023 17:29:51 +0000 https://thefollyflaneuse.com/?p=6704#comment-11145 Fascinating, thank you!

During your research, were you aware of any connection with Eleanor Coade (1733-1821) and her Coade Stone (https://historicengland.org.uk/advice/technical-advice/buildings/decorative-features/coade-stone/).

Although Pulhamite seems to have come later and rather more rustic, I wonder if any similarities – materials or process between the two?

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