Introduction
The site contains the remains of the botanic garden laid out by Erasmus Darwin in the late-1770s. It included a spring called Unett's Well and a bath built over the spring by Sir John Floyer in 1701. Darwin planted a variety of trees and plants, 'uniting the Linnean science with the charm of landscape'. Terraces and low banks may indicate former garden features. The deeply cut stream along the south side is fed by at least two springs, and several pools formed by damming it survive.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
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Owners
Maple Hayes Dyslexia School and Research Centre
Other Websites
- History
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Period
- 18th Century (1701 to 1800)
- Late 18th Century (1775 to 1799)
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
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Features
- Bath House
- Description: The bath is sited in a hollow at the head of a stream close to Abnalls Cottage which Darwin used as a convalescence base for his patients, the bath being part of a curative system.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Lake
- Description: Erasmus Darwin is said to have 'widened the brook into small lakes' and also 'taught it to wind between shrubby margins'.
- Spring
- Terrace
- Stream
- Description: The deeply cut stream along the south side is fed by at least two springs.
- Pool
- Description: Several pools survive.
- Key Information
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Type
Collection
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Education
Period
18th Century (1701 to 1800)
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Lichfield
- References
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Contributors
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Staffordshire Gardens and Parks Trust
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