Alan Titchmarsh has proudly unveiled the new Medieval Garden that has been planted in the grounds of Ilkley Manor House, one of the oldest domestic properties in West Yorkshire.
Parts of the building date back to c. 1340 and the garden design reflects the type of plants and herbs that would have been grown in the vicinity by families and people living in Ilkley during the medieval period.
Mr Titchmarsh, who is the patron of the Ilkley Manor House Trust, was welcomed back to the town on Tuesday to cut the ribbon and give a speech to celebrate the opening of this wonderful new heritage garden that everyone can enjoy. Also enjoying the event was Councillor Martin Love, Bradford’s first Green Lord Mayor.
Sarah Thomas, Chair of the Ilkley Manor House Trust, said: “This is the culmination of a lot of hard work, generous investment, and dedication to replicating a garden befitting the Middle Ages. Keith Appleyard and the gardening team have worked tirelessly to develop the garden, we have been donated a beautiful sun dial, and the trees have been registered as part of the late Queen's Green Canopy, which was launched as part of the Jubilee celebrations.”
Ilkley Manor House’s new Medieval Garden is open all year round and visitors are able to enjoy the sights and smells of a garden in keeping with the period in which the house was first built. Weekend entrance (Sat/Sun 11am – 4pm) to Ilkley Manor House’s heritage centre, the Solar art gallery and pop-up exhibitions is free and provides a fascinating journey into Ilkley’s past and its current cultural ambitions.
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