Newstead Abbey, near Mansfield (Nottinghamshire), was
founded by King Henry II as an Augustinian priory in the 12th
century and became a domestic property after the Dissolution of the Monasteries
in the 16th century. It is probably best known today as the former
home of the poet Lord Byron. It is now owned by Nottingham City Council and is
open to the public at restricted times throughout the year.
The gardens are worth visiting in their own right, and are actually
more accessible than the house, being open on more days and for longer times.
The formal gardens occupy 25 acres of the 300 acre estate, and
are approached by way of a long drive that sweeps through rhododendrons (planted
in the 19th century) and an area of open heathland.
There are sixteen distinct areas within the gardens. Notable
among these is the Japanese Garden that was commissioned by Ethel Webb, whose
family owned Newstead Abbey during the early 20th century. This garden
features stepping stones and hump-backed bridges that cross streams bordered by
rhododendrons, azaleas and bamboo.
The former kitchen garden is now home to vast numbers of
roses, the varieties being both modern and traditional, with climbers and
ramblers adorning the brick walls.
There is a fine rock garden beyond the great Yew Walk, and a
dark tunnel leads to the Eagle Pond, which is one of the original “stew ponds”
in which the monks stored fish before they became part of the menu.
Nearby is the famous memorial to Lord Byron’s dog Boatswain,
who was commended for possessing: “Beauty without Vanity, Strength without
Insolence, Courage without Ferocity, and all the virtues of Man without his
Vices”. The monument is larger than that to Byron himself.
Newstead Abbey Gardens should not be missed if you are in the
area!
© John Welford
