Introduction
The gardens and parkland at Hardwicke Court retain elements of a 17th-century layout, including ornamental canals. Other features include ornamental gardens and a walled garden with glasshouses.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Telephone
07525 663090Access contact details
The gardens are open at restricted times. Please phone 01452 720212 or see the website.
- History
A manor house and deer park existed at Hardwicke at least as early as 1188. The extant angled canal may relate to a contemporary moat. In 1397 the estate passed to the Trye family. Their ownership, the gardens and the house were recorded on the 1699 map, which was later depicted by Kip in 1714-5 (although the Kip layout varies from the 1699 plan, the essence of his view was actually constructed). The gardens were originally laid out in formal 17th-century style, of which some still remains. At this time only the parkland immediately to the east was owned, but the land ownership was increased over the next several hundred years, with the holding recorded in 1810 being very similar to that shown on the first edition Ordnance Survey map. Part of one canal was infilled around the time of the construction of the Robert Smirke house in 1817-19 for its new owner, Thomas Lloyd-Baker. Part of the remaining two canals was informalised and an island added.
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Hardwicke Court
- Grade: II*
Features
- Ornamental Fountain
- Description: A circular stone-lined pool with a moulded rim and a central urn with fountain-head.
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- Kitchen Garden
- Description: A walled garden with glasshouses.
- Orchard
- Canal
- Description: Sections of ornamental canals with formal and informal features.
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- House (featured building)
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- Key Information
Type
Estate
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Hardwicke
- References
References
- Kingsley. N., {The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Volume 1, 1500-1660} (Cheltenham: Phillimore, 1989), pp. 102-3 The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Vol. I 1500-1660
- Kingsley. N., {The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Volume 2, 1660-1830} (Cirencester: Phillimore, 1992), pp. 151-2 The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Vol. II 1660-1830
- Verey, D., {The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire 2, The Vale and the Forest of Dean} (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1970), p. 262 The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and the Forest of Dean
- Elrington, C.R. {Victoria County History: Gloucester, Volume 10} ( Oxford University Press, 1972), pp. 181-5 Victoria County History: Gloucester, Volume 10
Contributors
Gloucestershire Gardens & Landscape Trust