Groups visiting 1066
Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield can now see the newly replanted
Duchess of Cleveland walled garden, which has just opened to the
public.
As well as creating a
tranquil garden for visitors to enjoy, with fruit trees, wildflowers and bees,
the walled garden provides a glimpse into a lesser known time in Battle Abbey’s
history; when it was lived in as a country house estate. The Duchess of Cleveland lived at the Abbey from 1858 and jealously
guarded the walled garden as her own private space.
Sixteen apple varieties,
including 'Golden Pippin' which originated in Sussex in 1629 and 'Alfriston', a
favourite Victorian exhibition variety, have been planted, as well as cherry,
quince, medlar and nine varieties of pear. Grasses
and wildflowers native to the Weald area such as knapweed, yarrow and oxeye
daisy have been introduced to enhance the grassland, and
spring bulbs have been planted. Victorian style bee-hives have been
installed, with bees being introduced later in the summer to complete the
ecosystem of the garden.
Dawn Champion, English
Heritage Area Manager comments: “We hope that by reopening the walled garden we
have added a new dimension to the visitor experience, to give everyone the
opportunity to pause and reflect, and to enjoy Battle Abbey not just for
its history, but its beauty and atmosphere as well.” TEL: 01424 776791.
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