DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.20000#0065
35
the south-east end of the large terrace existed a rustic arbour, occupying" the site of a former summer-
house, the base of which exists.
From the terrace a broad flight of steps leads down to the upper garden, now a square plot of
ground divided into two lawns by a gravel walk, but which in all probability was originally a parterre.
At present its picturesque aspect is much enhanced by a fine old apple tree—the last of several—whose
straggling branches and gnarled trunk are just sufficient to break the too formal appearance that would
otherwise be presented. The lower garden was in all probability used for household purposes, either as
a vegetable and herb garden or as an orchard, most likely the former. At the end of this garden a
long flight of steps leads to a small postern gate and Dorothy's Bridge.
The sketch section through the gardens will give a good idea of the manner in which the earth
excavated from one part was made to form the terrace of some adjacent portion ; the whole being entirely
the outcome of the necessities of the site. The gardens probably never extended beyond their present
boundary, but above, on the hillside overlooking the Hall, are the remains of the old bowling-green with
its house, since converted into a farmhouse, but still retaining part of its original outside staircase,
by which spectators ascended to the flat roof to witness the game or admire the scenery. The green is
now cut up and made into a garden for the farmhouse.
Below and to the north-east of the Hall is the old archery ground, surrounded with sycamore trees,
and a small avenue of the same, leading down to the original entrance to the Hall, the present
entrance being that to the park.
SAIGHTON GRANGE, CHESHIRE.
PLATE 60.
AIGHTON GRANGE was originally one of the three castellated residences of
the Abbot of St. Werburgh. After the Dissolution it came into the possession
of Charles Walley, whose great grandson dying without issue, it was purchased in
1755 by Foster Cunliffe, whose descendant, Sir Foster Cunliffe, sold the estate to
the Marquis of Westminster, and the house is now the residence of Lady
Grosvenor. In Ormerod's "History of Cheshire" is a view of the Grange as it
appeared in 1817, showing the original entrance gateway, built by Simon Ripley
in 1489, in a very dilapidated condition. The house has been restored, and the gardens are the creation
of recent years. Plate 60 gives a plan of them. The entrance is on the west side of the house, a short
drive leading: to the forecourt and continuing; to the stables, which are on the east side. The whole of
the gardens have a slight fall from north to south.
The principal flower gardens are on the south side of the house, arranged centrally with the entrance,
within two enclosures surrounded by yew hedges ; on the east side of these enclosures is the quaint little
" saints' garden," encompassed with hedges, while the beds are filled with flowers supposed to blossom on
various saints' days. Adjoining the house on the west side is another flower garden, with little square
beds divided by flagged paths, and beyond is the lime walk, a charming arrangement of small limes
planted a few feet apart, reminding one of little gardens in Normandy. The kitchen garden is to the
north of the house, and is well arranged in four plots with grass walks lined with fruit trees.
11
the south-east end of the large terrace existed a rustic arbour, occupying" the site of a former summer-
house, the base of which exists.
From the terrace a broad flight of steps leads down to the upper garden, now a square plot of
ground divided into two lawns by a gravel walk, but which in all probability was originally a parterre.
At present its picturesque aspect is much enhanced by a fine old apple tree—the last of several—whose
straggling branches and gnarled trunk are just sufficient to break the too formal appearance that would
otherwise be presented. The lower garden was in all probability used for household purposes, either as
a vegetable and herb garden or as an orchard, most likely the former. At the end of this garden a
long flight of steps leads to a small postern gate and Dorothy's Bridge.
The sketch section through the gardens will give a good idea of the manner in which the earth
excavated from one part was made to form the terrace of some adjacent portion ; the whole being entirely
the outcome of the necessities of the site. The gardens probably never extended beyond their present
boundary, but above, on the hillside overlooking the Hall, are the remains of the old bowling-green with
its house, since converted into a farmhouse, but still retaining part of its original outside staircase,
by which spectators ascended to the flat roof to witness the game or admire the scenery. The green is
now cut up and made into a garden for the farmhouse.
Below and to the north-east of the Hall is the old archery ground, surrounded with sycamore trees,
and a small avenue of the same, leading down to the original entrance to the Hall, the present
entrance being that to the park.
SAIGHTON GRANGE, CHESHIRE.
PLATE 60.
AIGHTON GRANGE was originally one of the three castellated residences of
the Abbot of St. Werburgh. After the Dissolution it came into the possession
of Charles Walley, whose great grandson dying without issue, it was purchased in
1755 by Foster Cunliffe, whose descendant, Sir Foster Cunliffe, sold the estate to
the Marquis of Westminster, and the house is now the residence of Lady
Grosvenor. In Ormerod's "History of Cheshire" is a view of the Grange as it
appeared in 1817, showing the original entrance gateway, built by Simon Ripley
in 1489, in a very dilapidated condition. The house has been restored, and the gardens are the creation
of recent years. Plate 60 gives a plan of them. The entrance is on the west side of the house, a short
drive leading: to the forecourt and continuing; to the stables, which are on the east side. The whole of
the gardens have a slight fall from north to south.
The principal flower gardens are on the south side of the house, arranged centrally with the entrance,
within two enclosures surrounded by yew hedges ; on the east side of these enclosures is the quaint little
" saints' garden," encompassed with hedges, while the beds are filled with flowers supposed to blossom on
various saints' days. Adjoining the house on the west side is another flower garden, with little square
beds divided by flagged paths, and beyond is the lime walk, a charming arrangement of small limes
planted a few feet apart, reminding one of little gardens in Normandy. The kitchen garden is to the
north of the house, and is well arranged in four plots with grass walks lined with fruit trees.
11