Staunton Park Gardens In Herefordshire
|
||||||||||||
|
Much earlier houses have been situated at Staunton Park and it is believed that there was a manor house on the site as far back as medieval times. The owner in the early 19th century, James King-King Esq., had, through inheritance, greatly improved his station in life and decided that something on a much grander scale was required. All the old buildings were therefore demolished and in 1843 an impressive new mansion by the architect John Gray was erected. The grounds were landscaped between 1842 and 1884 and many specimen trees were planted, including a Giant Tulip Tree, Handkerchief Tree, Davidia Involucrata, Monkey Puzzle and Gingko Bilobas, while the deer park was (and still is) dominated by massive ancient oaks. A path around the lake was introduced and, at a later stage, the Victorian Rock Garden was constructed. Towards the end of the previous century the now stately Wellingtonias, which tower over the entrance drive, were planted. As a result of changing circumstances a great part of the new mansion was demolished in 1921, but the pleasure grounds surrounding the "new" house, erected c.1927 which is today's Staunton Park, remain much as they were over a hundred years ago. There is still a distinct atmopshere to the place, bringing by-gone days to mind. The present garden comprises c.10 acres. At spring time the extensive rhododendron groves dominate the views to the lake. The rose garden, behind its impressive yew hedge, and the many mixed borders planted within the last 5 years continue to delight well into September. |
 |
Part of the National Gardens Scheme |
Features in RHS Garden Finder |
See also www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk |