DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20000#0047
i7
broad terrace, 285 feet long by 57 feet broad, divided into two parterres, each centred by a white
marble fountain. From this level another terrace returns at right angles, and terminates at the end next
the park, with a classic pavilion. In the centre of this terrace is a fine mural fountain surmounted by a
group of statuary, with on either side a flight of steps leading to the second level, a few feet below.
The third level is divided into six plots, each of similar design, intersected by broad gravel walks,
while a balustraded wall divides the garden from the park.
The general aspect of the garden, and the clever arrangement of varying levels, can be well judged
by the view on Plate 21. The photograph for this was taken in very early spring-time, and does not,
therefore, give an idea of the brilliant parterre ; it, however, serves better to show the shapes of the beds.
CHASTLETON HOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE.
PLATES 22, 23.
HASTLETON HOUSE stands on the western borders of Oxfordshire where it
adjoins Gloucestershire, and is about four miles from Moreton-in-the-Marsh.
It is a stone Jacobean building, of a type not unusual in the western counties. A
plan and photographic views, together with an interesting description of the house,
are given in Mr. Gotch's folio work, " Architecture of the Renaissance in England."
The house was built by one Walter Jones, who bought the estate in 1602 from
the Catesby who was connected w ith the Gunpowder Plot, and tradition has it that
the money he thus acquired was partly expended in the purchase of gunpowder! The building of the
house commenced soon after this date and was finished in 1614. The gardens, as they now exist, were
re-laid out in 1828, and as at present are no doubt much on the lines of the original scheme. From the
road a stone archway gives access to the forecourt, through which a drive leads to the porch. To
the left are the stables and the stable court, while on the right a thick laurel hedge separates the forecourt
from the old churchyard.
The most curious part of this garden scheme is the old garden on the eastern side of the house,
shown on Plate 23. This is almost square, being 190 feet by 170 feet, and, as shown on the
plan (Plate 22), is surrounded by a wall. In the centre is a stone sundial, round which the flower-
beds are arranged concentrically, and these again are enclosed by a thick hedge. Within this space are
twenty-four curiously cut shapes in box, which after the lapse of so many years have lost much of
their original form, but here and there they still retain some trace of the shapes into which they were at
one time cut by the gardener's shears. They are said to have represented animal forms, including a
peacock, horse, bear and swan ; also a ship in full sail. When Chastleton was built the custom of
cutting box and yew into various shapes had not long been introduced ; biblical subjects were frequently
represented in this manner, and it is possible that some of the shapes no longer recognizable were of
this description.
There are other flower gardens and a bowling-green on the west side of the house, which, though
picturesquely situated, are hardly so interesting as the gardens shown on the plan and photograph, and
extensive fruit and vegetable gardens to the north, all enclosed within brick walls, and intersected by
little paths of turf, bordered by beds of bright flowers.
broad terrace, 285 feet long by 57 feet broad, divided into two parterres, each centred by a white
marble fountain. From this level another terrace returns at right angles, and terminates at the end next
the park, with a classic pavilion. In the centre of this terrace is a fine mural fountain surmounted by a
group of statuary, with on either side a flight of steps leading to the second level, a few feet below.
The third level is divided into six plots, each of similar design, intersected by broad gravel walks,
while a balustraded wall divides the garden from the park.
The general aspect of the garden, and the clever arrangement of varying levels, can be well judged
by the view on Plate 21. The photograph for this was taken in very early spring-time, and does not,
therefore, give an idea of the brilliant parterre ; it, however, serves better to show the shapes of the beds.
CHASTLETON HOUSE, OXFORDSHIRE.
PLATES 22, 23.
HASTLETON HOUSE stands on the western borders of Oxfordshire where it
adjoins Gloucestershire, and is about four miles from Moreton-in-the-Marsh.
It is a stone Jacobean building, of a type not unusual in the western counties. A
plan and photographic views, together with an interesting description of the house,
are given in Mr. Gotch's folio work, " Architecture of the Renaissance in England."
The house was built by one Walter Jones, who bought the estate in 1602 from
the Catesby who was connected w ith the Gunpowder Plot, and tradition has it that
the money he thus acquired was partly expended in the purchase of gunpowder! The building of the
house commenced soon after this date and was finished in 1614. The gardens, as they now exist, were
re-laid out in 1828, and as at present are no doubt much on the lines of the original scheme. From the
road a stone archway gives access to the forecourt, through which a drive leads to the porch. To
the left are the stables and the stable court, while on the right a thick laurel hedge separates the forecourt
from the old churchyard.
The most curious part of this garden scheme is the old garden on the eastern side of the house,
shown on Plate 23. This is almost square, being 190 feet by 170 feet, and, as shown on the
plan (Plate 22), is surrounded by a wall. In the centre is a stone sundial, round which the flower-
beds are arranged concentrically, and these again are enclosed by a thick hedge. Within this space are
twenty-four curiously cut shapes in box, which after the lapse of so many years have lost much of
their original form, but here and there they still retain some trace of the shapes into which they were at
one time cut by the gardener's shears. They are said to have represented animal forms, including a
peacock, horse, bear and swan ; also a ship in full sail. When Chastleton was built the custom of
cutting box and yew into various shapes had not long been introduced ; biblical subjects were frequently
represented in this manner, and it is possible that some of the shapes no longer recognizable were of
this description.
There are other flower gardens and a bowling-green on the west side of the house, which, though
picturesquely situated, are hardly so interesting as the gardens shown on the plan and photograph, and
extensive fruit and vegetable gardens to the north, all enclosed within brick walls, and intersected by
little paths of turf, bordered by beds of bright flowers.