In Historic England’s listing, this Grade II structure is officially described as a “summerhouse”, a term suggesting a light, ornamental building intended for leisure. In reality, it was something very different. Built in the 1840s, it formed part of an extensive glasshouse range stretching for over 100 yards along the hillside. Its alignment—running east to… Continue reading Not a summerhouse at all
Tag: Spode Hawkesyard
A Victorian show garden
By 1853 Hawkesyard, then still known as Armitage Park, was already being noticed as a place of unusual horticultural ambition. A visitor writing in the Cottage Gardener described it as “curious, interesting, and beautiful”, with undulating ground and wide views from the house. His main interest was the remarkable range of gardens and glasshouses created… Continue reading A Victorian show garden