Packwood House & Garden


You need a car to get to most of the UK’s stately homes and gardens, so I feel doubly fortunate that two National Trust properties were within walking distance of where I was housesitting in Lapworth.


Packwood House was originally a Tudor farmhouse. In the early 1900s, it was purchased by Baron Ash. Now Mr. Ash had made his fortune in the galvanized steel industry, but he longed to be considered a member of the nobility. He set about renovating Packwood House, salvaging furnishings and tapestries from stately homes across Europe.


He particularly liked sundials so there are lots scattered around the property.


Packwood House is particularly well known for its topiary garden.


There is another large walled garden where Baron Ash invited the public to performances of Shakespeare.


The alcoves in the garden wall used to hold wicker bee bowls, a form of beehive.


This wall was heated to prevent the espaliered fruit trees from freezing in winter.


The kitchen garden is quiet at this time of year with just a few last brassicas.


See also: Baddesley-Clinton Manor House

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