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Summary

The allotment gardens to the rear of the Penrose Almshouses are accessed from and are, therefore, probably contemporary with the almshouses. The almshouses were founded in 1627 and the layout of the gardens, intended for productive rather than ornamental purposes appears to have changed little since that time.

Location

Protected Status

• Listed Building (II) 1385216: GARDEN WALLS TO ALLOTMENT TO REAR OF PENROSE ALMSHOUSES

Other References/Statuses: none recorded

Monument Type(s) and Dates

• ALLOTMENT (Founded, XVII - 1627 AD to 1627 AD)

Full description

Ordnance Survey, 2020, MasterMap 2020 (Cartographic). SDV363413.

Marked as Allotment Gardens.

Devon Gardens Trust, 2020, Penrose Allotments (Report - non-specific). SDV363703.

Notification that Penrose Allotments have been added to the Devon Gazetteer of Parks and Gardens.
The allotments are considered to be contemporary with the adjacent almshouses, in continuous horticultural use since the latters foundation in 1627. The layout of the gardens, for productive rather than ornamental purposes, appears to have changed little in the succeeding four centuries.
They are enclosed by high cob walls with slate coping (Listed Grade II) and are accessed from the almhouses court via a passageway. Most of the plots appear to be on their original footprint and are of the same and shape. This fits with the philosophy of the original benefactor, John Penrose, to create fair, orderly living for poor people.
The gardens have strong similarities to the late 16th century gardens at the Lord Leycester Hospital in Warwick.

Sources / Further Reading

Associated Monuments

Associated Finds: none recorded

Associated Events: none recorded

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