Create a Palace Garden

Calling all green-fingered volunteers with a passion for parterres! Find out more about a vision for the garden at the Archbishop of York’s Palace Restoration Project in Southwell at a public open day on Saturday 1st March, 10am to 4pm. Bring along your boots and gloves and, if you get the bug, there will be an opportunity on Saturday 26th April to get stuck in and lend a helping hand.

Building work is now well underway on Southwell Minster’s project to restore the former Palace of the Archbishops of York, adjacent to the Minster building. The Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage are much involved, due to the considerable heritage significance of the complex – which was used by most of the early Kings of England and, later, by Cardinal Wolsey and then by Charles I.

Project co-ordinator, Charlie Leggatt says: “We need volunteers to help us bring the vision for the garden to fruition and, then, to help with the maintenance. A medieval herb parterre will contain plants used in Roman gardens and, later on, to scent the rushes upon which the early Kings, Cardinal Wolsey and Charles I would have trodden on! A Tudor Knot garden will allude to Wolsey’s stay, referencing his former garden at Hampton Court, while a Gertrude Jekyll border will help interpret the Arts and Crafts style of the Bishop’s Manor. We are most grateful for the support and guidance the garden project is receiving from staff and students of Nottingham Trent University’s Brackenhurst campus.”

Plans include making public a section to the east of the Palace’s gable end. This area is currently grassed over, with a few twentieth-century plantings and the aim is to create a unique atmosphere in a revived public garden that is in harmony with the surrounding historic buildings and landscape. “We plan to connect the Palace with the outside space physically and intellectually, enhancing understanding and learning through interpretation signage, a programme for school groups and informal learning opportunities for adults and families,” adds Charlie.

If the project gets your creative juices flowing or you just fancy getting stuck in, then meet grounds man, Luke Bartle, and Charlie at 10am both days in the forecourt of Bishop’s Manor (refreshments will be provided so let them know in advance if you are coming.) charles@southwellminster.org.uk 01636 817283.