Monument Type(s):

• GARDEN (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1901 AD)
• PARK (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1901 AD)

Summary

A post medieval park and gardens, associated with Site of Georgian/ Victorian Apley Castle (PRN 12881).

Related records

Associated Finds: None recorded

Associated Events: None recorded

Description

At Apley a small park existed by 1610, and in 1663 Francis Charlton kept it for grazing his horses. By the early C19 it covered most of the township. <1>

By 1610 there was a small park at Apley, used in 1663 as horse grazing (V.C.H. Shropshire 11 (1985), 224, 233). By the early 19th century the park covered most of the township. In 1851 a conservatory and flower garden lay on the south-west side of the house (S. Bagshaw, Directory of Shropshire, 1851, 436). After 1856 St John Chiverton Charlton extended the woods around the house and created ornamental gardens on the north-west side (V.C.H. Shropshire 11 (1985), 217). In 1891 the park contained some of the finest cattle in Shropshire. The inner park and ornamental grounds were similarly reckoned among the finest in the county. The main approach from the north was lined with cedars, and the plantings around the house included pines, rhododendrons, Portuguese laurels, and English yews. Visible from the portica were flower beds laid out like a fan and extending the full length of the house. South of the house was a rose garden and fountain. Other features included vineries, store greenhouses, fruit and fern houses. (F. Leach, The County Seats of Shropshire (1891), 55-63). The house was demolished in 1955 [<1>]. <2>

With the construction of the late 18th century house, the surrounding area was landscaped on a grand scale. <3>

The small park of 1610 may be represented by an oval enclosure surrounding the coach house and stables (the remains of the medieval Apley Castle) on the 1842 tithe map. <4>

Sources

Search results generated by the HBSMR Gateway from exeGesIS SDM Ltd.