Introduction
Henry Avray Tipping designed the gardens around the partially-ruined medieval Mathern Palace in the early-20th century. Medieval fishponds in the grounds and parts of the ruined Palace were incorporated into the original design. The garden has well-preserved terracing and structural planting of yew. There is also a sunken garden, originally designed as a rose garden.
Although the site is now a private residence, it is available for hire for weddings and functions.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
- History
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
Conservation Area
- Reference: Mathern
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW(Gt) 35
- Grade: II*
Style
Arts And Crafts
Features
- House (featured building)
- Description: The oldest parts of Mathern Palace date from the 15th century but it was much altered over succeeding centuries and declined into a farmhouse. It was remodelled in the early-20th century when some of the ruins were incorporated into the garden.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Arbour
- Description: A large circular yew arbour planted by Tipping on one of the garden terraces.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Fishpond
- Description: Two linear medieval fishponds which Tipping brought into the design. One has now been given an irregular outline.
- Loggia
- Description: A loggia with wooden supports and a paved area in front of it.
- Garden Terrace
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
Early 20th Century (1901-1932)
Survival
Extant
- References
References
- Cadw and ICOMOS UK, 'Mathern Palace' in {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Gwent} (Cardiff: Cadw, 1994), pp. 94-5 Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Gwent
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Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, 'Mathern Palace;Mathern House, Garden, Mathern',