A Jacobean Style Knot Garden

The Jacobean Style garden was constructed in 1991 to complement the Museum building which dates from about 1610.

The knot garden is typical of the Jacobean style. Many knot designs were based on heraldic devices. The chosen pattern, planted with lavender, germander and box, was created from a design published by Thomas Hill in 1577. Spaces between plants were often filled with different colour materials and in the  Museum garden gravel, coal and crushed brick have been used.

In Jacobean time, gardens would be divided into quarters each containing a different feature. As well as the knot, the Museum’s garden has sections containing herb beds and fruit trees, including a wall trained apple tree, a vine and a large fig tree which over the years has taken centre stage of the garden.

The garden is open to the public throughout the year during the Museum opening hours, much to the delight of all our visitors.