The Garth Pleasure Grounds

About The Garth Pleasure Grounds

The origins of The Garth go back to 1729, when the Lingfield parish drew up a contract with a local carpenter, Thomas Stanford, to build a new workhouse at a cost of £290. It was sold by the Charity Commissioners in 1860 to Mr Cross, who divided it into 6 cottages. It was then purchased in 1918 by Stanley Hazell, by which time it was in a state of disrepair and contained squatters. Hazell employed a distinguished architect, antiquarian and a garden designer, Walter H Godfrey (1881-1961) to convert it into a single house. ‘

Walter H Godfrey, who had particular associations with the Society for Preservation of Ancient Buildings carefully restored a number of notable historic buildings, including Herstmonceux Castle and Anne of Cleves House in Sussex and the Temple Church, Chelsea Old Church and Crosby Hall in London.

Stanley Hazell was a successful financier and a local historian. He was co-author of a book published in 1933, the ‘History of Lingfield’ covering the local area and documenting its past. He also had a passion for interesting and exotic plants. Horticulturists will appreciate a few adult species of trees Hazell collected since 1919 from the Mediterranean and Far East.
Visitors interested in the past of the old workhouse will be able to travel back in history by looking through records which we will make available on request including a few historic items previously found.

Godfrey designed the Pleasure Grounds including gardens and various features in the grounds of The Garth, such as a terrace, gazebo, pergola, the courtyard bench, small fountain, bird bath, well and ornate iron entrance gates. The gardens have been altered and greatly simplified in the later 20th century. A plan of 1922, however suggests that they retain many key features of his design. The 9 acre gardens are subdivided into many separate ‘rooms’, often by hedges or walls, and with paths linking the individual areas. The gardens are designed to relax, delight and surprise. Some areas of the gardens are under refurbishment.

We open by arrangement and as part of the Historic Houses scheme (free for HH members) from May to September. Please check our website for details.

https://www.greatbritishlife.co.uk/homes-and-gardens/places-to-live/22585211.fascinating-visit-garth-pleasure-grounds-lingfield/

.

Many areas of interest and large specimen plants inc ancient oak. Picnics are welcome.