Chirk Castle Gardens - North Wales

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Description

CHIRK CASTLE GARDENS

The first record we have of a garden at Chirk Castle is from 1657 when Sir Thomas Myddelton laid out a formal Pleasure Garden. It included a bowling green, cherry orchard and several banqueting houses.

During the 18^th Century, the garden, along with the parkland, was landscaped by William Emes.  Emes planted trees and shrubs in an informal style. The garden was separated from the parkland by a sunken wall or ‘ha – ha’. This kept livestock out of the garden without interrupting the view with fences or hedges. 

In the late 19^th Century, the Castle’s owner, Richard Myddelton Biddulph, revived the tradition for formal gardening. He introduced clipped yew hedges, which were later increased in size, in scale with the Castle. Richard’s son, Algernon, is believed to have designed the formal Rose Garden.

Between 1911 and 1946, Lord and Lady Howard de Walden leased the Castle from the Myddelton family. Lady Howard de Walden was a very keen gardener, and created the 80 metre long herbaceous border. Lady Howard de Walden took advice from her friend, Norah Lindsay, a leading garden designer of the time.

The Howard de Waldens also introduced the four bronze statues of naked nymphs. These were modelled by Antonio Luchessi, a leading sculptor of the Victorian age.

After the Second World War, by which time the garden had fallen into a great state of disrepair, Lady Margaret Myddelton set about restoring the garden. The garden as we see it today is very much the creation of Lady Margaret.

Today, the Castle’s gardens cover approximately 5 acres. In 2000 the Garden at Chirk Castle won the Gordon’s Gin Award for most popular National Trust Garden. This award was voted for by visitors.

During 2006 we are open from 25th March to 29th October 10am - 6pm (10am - 5pm Oct)

Closed Mondays & Tuesdays (open Bank Holiday Mondays)

Admission -

Castle & Gardens

Adults - £7.00
Children - £3.50
Family (2 + 2) - £17.50
Group (15+) - £5.00*

Gardens Only

Adults - £4.50
Children - £2.20
Family - £11.20
Group (15+) - £3.20*

* Must be prebooked

Name and credits for images of Chirk Castle
 
Reference: 78429
 
Description of image -  View of the East Elevation of Chirk Castle with topiary in the foreground.
 
Credit for photograph: ©NTPL/Matthew Antrobus

Copyright: ©NTPL/Matthew Antrobus

Reference: 67512
 
Description of image - Nymphs at poolside in Shrub Garden.
 
For information on how to join the National Trust click http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-trust/w-support/w-jointoday.htm
 
Reference: 67507
 
Description of image - A long row of Yew tree hedging on terrace. A bench sitting beneath the hedge.
 
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Credit for photograph: Stephen Robson
 
Copyright: ©NTPL/Stephen Robson