Introduction
Roydon Hall has an Elizabethan manor house with walled gardens which date from the early- to mid-16th century. A rose garden and an orchard were added in 1991.
An escape route runs below the cellars and two Tudor towers. Some Elizabethan silver was discovered here. A Henry VIII clock is on the second tower. This was restored 100 years ago, but again is in disrepair with the brickwork of the tower crumbling. Bee garths are on the lower wall of the walled garden, but are unused. There are terraces with shrub and herb borders below this wall. Grass terraces lead down to the house, and a walled courtyard is around the 16th-century brick entrance.
Recently (1991) much new planting has taken place. There are two new areas of trees to the north-west and south-west of house, a rose garden directly east of the house, and an orchard, further eastwards. Water for the garden comes from a spring, again in one of the easterly garden compartments.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Directions
The site is 1? miles south south-east of Meneworth village near Maidstone.
Owners
World Government of the Age of Enlightenment (since 1974).
- History
The site has an Elizabethan manor house which, in 1535, became the home of Thomas Roydon. It was at this time that the name changed from Fortune to Roydon Hall, and the walled gardens, fortified towers and terraces were created.
Originally the pleasure gardens were surrounded on three sides by forest and the famous Roydon oaks were taken by the navy of Elizabeth I. It is near the main road from London (Seven Mile Lane, the B2016).
Period
Tudor (1485-1603)
- Features & Designations
Features
- Manor House (featured building)
- Latest Date:
- Planting
- Description: The walled garden to the east of the house is now an overgrown wild meadow with daffodils and fruit trees. Remains of box hedges can be seen and there is a cedar tree and a magnolia.
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- Specimen Tree
- Description: Cedar tree in the walled garden.
- Specimen Tree
- Description: Magnolia tree in the walled garden.
- Tunnel
- Description: An escape route runs below the cellars and two Tudor towers. Some Elizabethan silver was discovered here.
- Tower
- Description: There are two Tudor towers.
- Earliest Date:
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- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Religious Ritual And Funerary
Period
Tudor (1485-1603)
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Wateringbury
- References
References
- Kent County Council Planning Department {The Kent Gardens Compendium} (Canterbury: Kent County Council, 1996) 135 The Kent Gardens Compendium
- Newman, J. {The Buildings of England: West Kent and the Weald} (London: Yale University Press, 1976) The Buildings of England: West Kent and The Weald