Last updated on 29 September 08

Gawsworth Hall Garden

© Steve Evans
© Steve Evans
© Steve Evans
© Steve Evans
Photograph © Gawsworth Hall

Gardenvisit Editorial

A black and white Elizabethan house with park and garden. The park is enclosed by a Tudor wall. There is a modern rose garden on one side and the remains of a much older garden on the other side. The latter is enclosed by yew hedges and sixteenth century brick walls. The remains of a canal and tilting ground can be seen. A moon gate leads from the bowling green to the stable yard.

Head Gardener's Comment

A tranquil garden with lakes, rolling lawns and a small formal planting in the courtyard. An ancient Rookery is all that remains of the wilderness garden dating from the 16th century.

History

This romantic half-timbered Hall was the home of Mary Fitton, the mysterious Dark Lady at the centre of Shakespeare’s Sonnets, and maid of honour to Queen Elizabeth I. Mary's father, Sir Edward Fitton, built a garden to rival Holdenby and Chipping Campden hoping for a royal visit. Today the grounds and remains of the pleasure gardens form the backdrop to an Open Air Theatre Festival hosting drama, opera and concerts.

Plants of Note

Bluebells in the Rookery in April and early May. Rhododendrons in season (late May/early June).

Address - Gawsworth Hall, Church Lane, Gawsworth, Macclesfield, Cheshire, England, SK11 9RN
Opening times - May 3rd - 20th September. Sunday to Wednesday Daily during July and August. Open 2pm to 5pm.
Admission - Adult £6.00
Website - Visit the Gawsworth Hall Garden website