Halswell News
One Day in May
Wednesday 14 May 2008On an unusually glorious sunny day in May, forty-two garden historians, archaeologists and garden enthusiasts assembled at Halswell for a study day organised by the University of Bristol and the Institute for Garden and Landscape History at Hestercombe. Our challenge was to see whether some of the extraordinary 18th century garden structures at Halswell were created by the brilliant 'Wizard of Durham' - designer Thomas Wright.
In the morning some fascinating and compelling evidence was offered by Wright experts John and Eileen Harris, writer Sue Shephard and MA student Judy Preston. After a delicious lunch, delegates toured Halswell gardens inspecting the romantic-looking temples, bridges and grottos that still grace this 'lost' garden which are now gradually being saved and restored.
There is more research work yet to be done to find proof of connections between Wright and Halswell. However, all delegates were agreed that not only are the gardens at Halswell very beautiful, they are also of great historical importance. Everyone had a great time thanks to the generous hospitality of Graham Bond and Mark Cranfield; their passion for Halswell is really infectious.
As one delegate wrote afterwards:
'The quality and content of the day was really interesting and well pitched, the landscape, house and garden stunning; ambience, food and of course weather helped!'
A big thanks to all at Halswell for a brilliant, beautifully organised and really enjoyable day.
click here to visit the Institute for Garden and Landscape History
