Monument record MDO138 - Gardens at Athelhampton

Formal gardens to Athelhampton Hall designed by F Inigo Thomas in 1891 for Alfred Cart de Lafontaine. In 1901 Thomas Mason was commissioned for further work. Additions to the gardens and informal pleasure grounds were made by Robert Cooke from 1966-1987 with advice from Harold Hillier.

Late C19 formal gardens and grounds, c.8ha, restored and developed since 1957, beside C15/C16 house. The axis of the 3 main formal areas extends from south west to north east, from the Great Court, with the central, circular area of the corona as a striking fulcrum to the scheme. 100m river terrace along formal stretch of river, with two waterfalls and claire-voyee to landscape, c.1958. <1>

The formal gardens were designed by F Inigo Thomas in 1891 for Alfred Cart de Lafontaine. In 1901 Thomas Mason was commissioned for further work. Additions to the gardens and informal pleasure grounds were made by Robert Cooke from 1966-1987 with advice from Harold Hillier. <2>

<1> English Heritage, 1984-1987, Register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England: Dorset (Monograph). SWX1383.

<2> English Heritage, 2005, Register of parks and gardens of special historic interest in England: Dorset (Revised) (Monograph). SDO17438.

<3> National Record of the Historic Environment, 619242 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Sep 27 2023 11:39AM