A marble statue fountain of Atlas stands at the centre of the garden behind which is an ornate Aviary
The exact recreation of the Elizabethan garden at Kenilworth Castle was made possible through a detailed eyewitness account written by Robert Langham, an official in Leicester's household. Langham was allowed into the garden during the queen's absence on a hunt. The accuracy of his account has been borne out by the archaeological evidence.
He also wrote about a great pageant and a magnificent firework display laid on for the queen's delight during her 19 day stay in 1575. 
The Earl of Leicester's emblem - a bear with a ragged staff.
Apple trees laden with fruit
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The building seen from the garden is Leicester's Gate House which he had built in 1571 - 2. Following the Civil War it is one of the few buildings that remained intact.
There are countless steps remaining to be climbed and ruins waiting to be explored. Next time we visit the stables built in 1553, John of Gaunt's Great Hall, and the building that the Earl of Leicester built for his Queen.
If I were able to stay somewhere with such a magnificent garden, I don't think I'd bother to go out hunting at all.
ReplyDeleteApparently Elizabeth was very keen on hunting and also enjoyed horse riding especially over long distances and very fast.
DeleteI find it incredible they can recreate a garden from an account written back in the 1500's. I'm always amazed at places like this sill surviving today after all elements taking their toll on them. I have come across John of Gaunt in a lot of places further South
ReplyDeleteApparently John of Gaunt acquired Kenilworth Castle through his marriage to his first wife Blanche of Lancaster.
DeleteYou are handily placed down there for a wide circle of impressive buildings and grand houses within a couple of hours drive and important events in British history. I often wish I had a small house or shack near London in the country or just somewhere different as my own area, although also good in its own way, is overly familiar now, after almost six decades of day walks. I did briefly think about moving down south when I retired but can't handle all the hassle required selling up then relocating.... just for a new walking area. Bob. BSS.
ReplyDeleteIt is surprising that we do keep finding places to visit which are an easy drive and not visited before. However, it would be lovely if your lochs and mountains were nearer too.
DeleteLove you post and pictures...
ReplyDeleteTitti
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DeleteWow, these images are so beautiful! So amazing that they were able to recreate the garden, thanks so much for sharing! Hope you have an amazing rest of the summer beauty!
ReplyDeletexoxo, MidoriLinea
https://www.midorilinea.com/blogs/midori-linea/panda-village-koala-world
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DeleteHello Rosemary, Quite an enchanting garden, enhanced by view of the old buildings. At first I didn't like the bear as too new and whimsical for the old and formal garden, but then I read your explanation that it is the Earl of Leicester's emblem. Even then the gilding and newness are perhaps a bit much.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Hello Jim - those were my thoughts too re: the bear - it is far too gaudy.
DeleteThose old ruins and the gardens provide scope for imagination as Anne of Green Gables said.
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DeleteHello again, I tried to suppress it, but ever since reading your post title, the song/poem Come into the Garden, Maud, has been running through my head. I am sure you intended the allusion, but there is no way to turn it off!
ReplyDelete--Jim
Really sorry!!!!
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