Sybil Spencer

Sybil Beatrice Spencer born Sybil Beatrice Armitage (29 March 1908 – 1994) was a British gardener. With her husband and son she created the York Gate Garden. After the deaths of her son and her husband she cared for the garden for twelve years leaving it to a charity to be shared by visitors.

Life Spencer was born in Leeds; her parents were Mary Jane (born Ellis) and Nathaniel Newburn Armitage, a pharmacist. Spencer trained at RADA.

In 1951 the York Gate house at Adel near Leeds was purchased. At the time it was surrounded by fields. A garden was built consisting of different "rooms" in the Arts and Crafts style. The success of the garden was in its design and Spencer's skill as a gardener.

After the death of her son, Robin, when he was 47, she took over the management of the garden. The small garden that her family built is said to be one of England's best. The garden continues to be developed and it has gained a Mediterranean garden created by Alistair Baldwin and the head gardener.