I need to go back...the day before leaving for Oxford I had a study trip for my 18th century house and garden class, to Old Wardour Castle and Stourhead :
Old Wardour
“When first built for John, the fifth Lord Lovel, in the late 14th century, Old Wardour was one of the most admired residences in Britain. The estate was acquired by the Arundell family in 1570, who continued to respect the importance of the property. Irretrievably ruined during the English Civil War (1642-1651) the castle became an important eye-catcher from the Arundell’s new property, New Wardour (1776). The castle continues to lie in the centre of an important Romantic landscape, typical of the Georgian period.”
We got lost on the way to Old Wardour castle…ended up winding down little country lanes big enough only for our one van. Hard on the stomach, easy on the eyes. The country is so green, lush…rolling hills dotted with sheep or cows or horses…expansive fields with centuries-old oaks claiming their place in the center…the odd rose bush climbing over stone walls.
We finally found a sign pointing us in the right direction, and arrived at the castle a few minutes later. At first, from in the parking lot and behind the walls, the castle looked quite small and unassuming. Walking through the gates, however, we were met with an exquisite stretch of lawn which the castle ruins sprang out of. We all got the audio tour, and wandered around on our own listening to the history of the castle and grounds. The medieval banqueting hall was one of my favorite parts…as you listened to the description of what it would have been like when the castle was originally built you could see the scene unfolding in front of your eyes. I loved how there were bits of plants and moss growing on the old stone, and the spiral staircases, and massive kitchen fireplace. Much of the castle was destroyed in the English Civil War – parts of ceilings were gone, stairs crumbled, and an entire side of wall non-existent. Outside of the castle and off the lawn was a grotto, built into the rock. Artificial of course, but it looked a part of the garden. If it were not in a public site, it’d be the kind of place you go and sit in to think or meditate. It has a quiet mystery with all of its hidden crevices and tucked away seats.
“When first built for John, the fifth Lord Lovel, in the late 14th century, Old Wardour was one of the most admired residences in Britain. The estate was acquired by the Arundell family in 1570, who continued to respect the importance of the property. Irretrievably ruined during the English Civil War (1642-1651) the castle became an important eye-catcher from the Arundell’s new property, New Wardour (1776). The castle continues to lie in the centre of an important Romantic landscape, typical of the Georgian period.”
We got lost on the way to Old Wardour castle…ended up winding down little country lanes big enough only for our one van. Hard on the stomach, easy on the eyes. The country is so green, lush…rolling hills dotted with sheep or cows or horses…expansive fields with centuries-old oaks claiming their place in the center…the odd rose bush climbing over stone walls.
We finally found a sign pointing us in the right direction, and arrived at the castle a few minutes later. At first, from in the parking lot and behind the walls, the castle looked quite small and unassuming. Walking through the gates, however, we were met with an exquisite stretch of lawn which the castle ruins sprang out of. We all got the audio tour, and wandered around on our own listening to the history of the castle and grounds. The medieval banqueting hall was one of my favorite parts…as you listened to the description of what it would have been like when the castle was originally built you could see the scene unfolding in front of your eyes. I loved how there were bits of plants and moss growing on the old stone, and the spiral staircases, and massive kitchen fireplace. Much of the castle was destroyed in the English Civil War – parts of ceilings were gone, stairs crumbled, and an entire side of wall non-existent. Outside of the castle and off the lawn was a grotto, built into the rock. Artificial of course, but it looked a part of the garden. If it were not in a public site, it’d be the kind of place you go and sit in to think or meditate. It has a quiet mystery with all of its hidden crevices and tucked away seats.
After a bit more wandering we all gathered at the bus to head to lunch at Stourhead.Stourhead Garden & House
“This is one of the finest examples of the English landscape garden (and it’s just on our doorstep). The garden was designed by Henry Hoare II and laid out between 1741 and 1780. It includes classical temples, such as the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo. A large central lake and a series of predetermined vistas. The woodland includes an impressive range of species collected from across the world.”
Heaven on earth. I wish I could return to this garden every couple weeks…soon the leaves will start to change and the garden will look as if it’s on fire with color. We went when it was lush and green, every shade of green one can imagine and more. Everytime you came around a corner there was a new vista, just as impressive as the last. Stunning, magical, inspiring, exciting, mysterious…a very out-of-this-world experience.
“Designed by Colen Campbell and built in the 1720s for the Hoare family, owners of Britain’s only private independent bank, it still survives today. The interior includes an outstanding Regency Library, an impressive picture collection, and furniture by Chippendale the Younger.”
Here the library was my favorite…shelves of ancient books lined all four walls, and up to just below the ceiling. I love everything this library suggested; constant learning, the words of great men and women of the past, maps of what people used to think the world was like, and a passion for knowledge. After the tour of the interior, Elizabeth and I decided to be adventurous and find our way over to the huge obelisk we could see from the windows inside. Met a few cows, made our own trail, and were rewarded with some great views of the back of Stourhead house.
All in all, an amazing day-trip :)
The gardens completely outshone any garden I've seen in the states...and I have to run right now, but next post will cover Blenheim Palace, which continued the "oh my god i want this life" streak.
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