Introduction
Bishopscourt has been an episcopal residence from around 1230. There have been several phases of planting. There were knot gardens and other formal gardens by the 1640s. From about 1700 there was extensive planting around the gardens and through the Bishopscourt Glen. The 'Cave of the Winds' and 'Mount Aeolus' in the glen date from the 1760s. Further planting, an American garden, rockeries and a pool in the glen date from the 1820s. The walled kitchen garden was sold for building land in the late 20th century.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
01624 801263Access contact details
Bishopscourt Glen is now a national resource for public use. http://www.gov.im/daff/countryside/country/Bishopscourt.xml
Directions
The site is north of Kirk Michael on the A3.
- History
Illustrations held in the British Museum show 17th-century gardens featuring a lawn, clipped box hedges, ornamental beds, an orchard and a Manx sod hedge.
- Features & Designations
Plant Environment
- Woodland Garden
- Environment
Features
- Lake
- Prospect Mound
- Description: Mount Aeolus was created by Bishop Hildesley.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Structure
- Description: Cave
- Garden Seat
- Description: Carved stone seat in the cave.
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Public Park
Plant Environment
Woodland Garden
Principal Building
Public Park
Survival
Part: standing remains
Hectares
5.3
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- Larch S. Garrad {A History of Manx Gardens} (Isle of Man: Collector's Choice, 1986) 20, 31, 62 A History of Manx Gardens