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About Ashridge House Gardens
Originally the site of a monastery, Ashridge House was a royal residence for both Henry VIII and Elizabeth I — it was at Ashridge House that she was arrested in 1552 under suspicion of treason. It has been a private house for Bridgewater dynasty, as well as a military hospital during both World Wars. It has also been a ladies’ finishing school and is now a world-class business school, conference, events, and wedding venue steeped in wonderful history.
The Italian Gardens were designed by Lady Marion Alford and date from the Mid-19th Century. The Garden was removed and laid to lawn after WWII and reinstated in 2000. The fountain is home to over 20 Koi Carp and two 30 year old goldfish.
As depicted in Repton’s original plans, a line of yews believed to date back to the early 17th century still stands today. Together with the shrubberies designed by Capability Brown, they complement an impressive oak planted by Princess Victoria in 1823 to commemorate her visit.
The Rosary is comprised of 8 rose beds arranged around a central fountain are surrounded by a yew hedge and climbing roses. Jeffry Wyatville adapted Repton’s original plans around 1820, and it was restored in 1999 and replanted in 2014 following damaged caused by a herd of deer.
Monk’s Garden was created in the mid-19th century. It displays an armorial design representing the four families that have been associated with Ashridge – Egerton, Brownlow, Compton and Cust. The central gothic conduit was constructed from 200 pieces of cast iron in 1820.
The Grade 1 listed Fernery was designed by Mathew Digby Wyatt in 1864. It was dedicated to growing ferns which were very fashionable in the Victorian era.
The Flower Garden was a private garden for the countess of Bridgewater. This garden partially replicates the early 19th century planting style proposed by Repton. The Garden is overlooked by a replica statue of Bacchus that stood in the garden until 1928 when the contents of the house were sold off to pay for death duties.
The arboretum was planted in the second half of 19th century and contains many specimen trees and coppices. The avenue of Wellingtonia was planted in 1858 and lead to the Prospect Mound which dates back to Tudor time. Repton’s Plan for a ‘rustic seat in a grove’ was not implemented by Wyatville. Based on a drawing in the red book for Ashridge, the Arbour was constructed in 1998 using yew from the garden and larch from the estate.
The Rhododendron Avenue is undergoing major restoration work to open up the views. While we will miss their colourful blooms in 2025, next year we will be rewarded with a spectacular display.
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Website:
https://www.ashridgehouse.org.uk
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