Biddulph Grange Garden

Biddulph Grange is a National Trust house and landscaped gardens, situated in Biddulph near Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England.

Approaching the house from the car park you may wonder why this house and gardens has gained such a good reputation. However, once you have been greeted by the friendly staff and exited the Victorian mansion to the garden the picture changes. Suddenly visitors find themselves wondering whether they are still in Britain as they find themselves walking through China, Ancient Egypt, Italian terraces and a Scottish glen.

Once down in the gardens you look back to see a beautiful and impressive mansion.

The History of Biddulph Grange

The Grange was originally a rectory but in approximately 1840 was purchased by James Bateman who moved to Biddulph Grange from nearby Knypersley Hall.

James and his wife Maria had a love of plants and the money to indulge their interests. James came into money from his father, who had become wealthy from coal and steel commercial enterprises.

The house was enlarged and they also commenced work on the gardens which were intended to display specimens from Bateman's copious and varied accumulation of plants. He was aided by Edward William Cooke, an artist friend who was a designer and whose father-in-law owned one of the largest plant nurseries of the day, Loddiges of Hackney.

In 1861 Bateman and his sons, who had expended their savings, abandoned the house and gardens and Bateman moved to Kensington in London. Robert Heath purchased Biddulph Grange in 1871. After the house burnt down in 1896, architect Thomas Bower reconstructed it.

The post-1896 house served as a children's hospital from 1923 until the 1960s; known first as the North Staffordshire Cripple's Hospital and later as the Biddulph Grange Orthopaedic Hospital.

The 15 acre garden became run down and neglected; the deep terraced area near the house was filled in and levelled to make a large lawn for patients.

In 1988 the National Trust assumed possession of the property and its gardens and a restoration programme began.

The Gardens Today

But what of the gardens today?

The rhododendrons and azaleas provide a dramatic display in late spring. The pinetum and the evergreen topiary provide year-round interest.

Its tunnels and rockeries give the garden that air of mystery and a sense of fun for children of all ages including those of the more mature variety! Of course the intention of these tunnels was to hide the different areas of the garden from each other which is also achieved using rocks and thickly planted shrubberies. Who said the idea of garden rooms was new?

A series of Italianate terraces connected by steps enclose flower gardens and long, buttressed hedges enclose a dahlia walk, a colourful site in late summer. The latter is viewed from a high vantage point and was obviously very well though out in the planning stage.

In the Egyptian garden, two sphinxes defend the mastaba-like entry to a tunnel, inside is a bloody chamber lit by a hidden window of red-coloured glass in which crouches the Ape of Thoth, an Egyptian deity.

It is China where many visitors pause and take a break before exploring the rest of the hidden delights of Biddulph Grange gardens. Beautifully laid out, colourful and interesting with Koi Carp swimming around in the water which ties the garden together.

Conclusion

If you enjoy visiting gardens then Biddulph Grange Garden will provide you with an experience that is different from the formal laid out gardens or Capability Brown type of garden that you expect to see at large estates.

Take a look at a few pictures of the Biddulph Grange Garden but better still, plan a visit to see the beautiful gardens for yourself.

There is an entrance fee when visiting National Trust property. The most cost effective way to visit is to become a member. National Trust Memberships cover the individual and families and quite often just one visit covers the annual cost of membership.

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