Outside the formal garden area lies a peaceful woodland, in spring carpeted with bluebells and in late winter, snow drops (special opening times advertised). The wood is extensive and well worth the walk in autumn when the foliage colours brilliantly.
A Brief History of Hatfield
The gardens at Hatfield House have a long history. Originally the palace of Cardinal Morton, Bishop of Ely and Westminister, and the Bishops Palace was built in the late 15th century. Confiscated under the Reformation by Henry VIII, it became a residence for his children Mary, Elizabeth and Edward. There was little garden at this time.
It was at Hatfield that Elizabeth learned that her sister Mary, had died and that she was Queen of England. After James IV had succeeded Elizabeth I, he persuaded his chief minister Robert Cecil, Earl of Salisbury, to swap his more modern mansion, Burghley, for the old Bishops Palace.
Robert Cecil subsequently tore down part of the old Palace and a new house was built, the present Hatfield House. The elaborate garden was developed by John Tradescant, the plant collector buried in Lambeth at what is now the Museum of Garden history. The present Marchioness of Salisbury designed the knot garden in the church yard there.
The Cecil family have continued there links with government as well as been prominent in many other fields. Hatfield House is full of fascinating treasures from this rich and eventful past.
One of the striking garden areas at Hatfield is the long walk, to one side of the woodland, with an imposing urn closing a green walk hidden within tall hedges. Simple, restrained and calming after the flowers and colour of the gardens, and a formal contrast to the informal wood.
During the season the East Gardens are open on Mondays only, as the House is closed, and this private area of the gardens with avenues of mop-headed holm oaks and a maze is quite as lovely as the West Gardens.
And for those chemical-free gardeners, take heart, Hatfield is gardened organically. And it looks absolutely splendid with this regime.
A historic formal garden that is both an inspiration to many and a wonderful relaxing garden day, the gardens at Hatfield House are within easy reach of central London and well worth a visit.
To Visit See Hatfield House in the Gardens Open Pages for details
Contact Tel- +44 (1717) 262823
