Battle in East Sussex, England, United Kingdom — Northwestern Europe (the British Isles)
The Duchess of Cleveland’s Walled Garden
— Battle of Hastings, 1066 —
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 9, 2018
1. The Duchess of Cleveland’s Walled Garden Marker
The Duke and Duchess, who bought Battle Abbey in the mid 19th century, were keen gardeners. The Duchess cultivated apples and pears in the walled garden, along with mulberries, almonds and fig-trees, providing fruit for both the family and servants. Her head gardener planted many varieties, each ripening at different times, so that with careful storage there would be fruit to eat all year round.
The Duchess also used the walled garden as a peaceful private retreat, although sometimes the public found a way in, as she wrote: "I had swung an Indian hammock in a secluded place but found it speedily became a favoured resort - two ladies being not unfrequently swung in it together by an attentive cavalier”.
English Heritage has replanted the Duchess’ orchard with local varieties ('cultivars') available in her time. We have planted apple cultivars from Kent and Sussex, such as Wadhurst Pippin and Sussex Mother. The orchard also includes pear trees from England and North France, many of them trained along the walls. Mulberries (favoured by the Duchess) and quinces will also be grown alongside wild flowers and beehives, of a traditional design from
this page online
( photo caption )
- The future Duchess of Cleveland, eight years before the purchase of Battle Abbey. - The local apple variety ‘Egremont Russet’, which has been planted in the orchard.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 50° 54.838′ N, 0° 29.337′ E. Marker is in Battle, England, in East Sussex. Marker can be reached from the intersection of High Street and Park Lane, on the right when traveling south. Located next to Battle Abbey along the battlefield path at the Battle of Hastings Battlefield. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Battle, England TN33 0AD, United Kingdom. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Beehives in the Walled Garden (a few steps from this marker); The East Range (within shouting distance of this marker); Dairy and Icehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Battlefield to Vegetable Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); The Abbey and its History (within shouting distance of this marker); Rebuilding the Abbey Church (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Reredorter (about 90 meters away); East Range of Cloister (about 90 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battle.
Also see . . . English Heritage - 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield
Photographed By Michael Herrick, September 9, 2018
2. The Duchess of Cleveland’s Walled Garden
Credits. This page was last revised on January 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 152 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2019, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
