Remains of Tudor Gardens discovered after a GPR survey

These suggested the survival of the layout of the old garden. It was the volunteers of local conservation group Land of The Fanns who first noticed that the aerial photos resembled a bird’s eye view painting of the manor, and a further non-invasive study of the area has now confirmed this discovery.

The GPR survey findings included a circular water feature to the west of the former manor house, which can be seen in a painting from around 1710 that depicted the gardens. The manor was one of the most prominent houses in England in the 14th century and was inhabited for centuries. However, it was damaged by bombing during World War II and was finally demolished in 1957.

It’s known that, during the mid-18th century, renowned landscape architect Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown replaced the original Tudor gardens with a new design. Capability Brown, of course, worked on hundreds of gardens in his time, including those at Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House and Hampton Court, and around 150 of his works have survived into the 21st century.

Historic England’s goal is to preserve this historical setting and have Belhus Park removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

The organisation’s landscape architect, Christopher Laine, said they already knew that Belhus Park was something special, which is what prompted them to survey the land with GPR.

According to Laine, the discovery of this former Tudor Garden will provide the information the body needs to improve the conservation and management of this important heritage site, benefitting the current and future generations.

Karl Hayes, managing director of Belhus Park golf course, said the project had the golf club’s complete support and he is looking forward to the club’s role in exploring, understanding, and preserving the findings.

This discovery shows the value of GPR in uncovering the history that lies beneath the ground and cannot easily be seen by any other means. Historic England said it is hoping there will be further opportunities at Belhus Park in the future for volunteering, engaging with the community, and exploring this great new resource.