Spotlight

This page features one of the many treasures that can be found within the William Salt Library collection.

Centenary of the National Trust Act

August 2007 marks 100 years since Parliament passed the first 'National Trust Act'. This legislation defined the National Trust's purpose and gave the Trust unique powers to protect property forever for the benefit of the nation.

Probably the best known of all of Staffordshire's National Trust properties is the gardens at Biddulph Grange. The National Trust acquired the gardens in 1988 and after some restoration work was carried out they were opened to the public in 1991.

Amongst the outstanding collection of documents and volumes in the William Salt Library is an attractively illustrated sale catalogue for the Biddulph Grange and Knypersley estate dated 1871.  The catalogue was produced when the Bateman family, who had done much of the original landscaping of the gardens, put up the estate for sale.

The gardens which were originally laid out by James Bateman (1811-1897) are a good example of a high Victorian garden as well as being one of the earliest examples of a compartmentalised garden in the country.

Two of the gardens featured in this catalogue are the China garden and the Italian garden.

 

The China Garden

In the catalogue the China garden is described- With its Willow-pattern plate (its Temple, Bridge and background complete) is represented, and with the plants natural to that region.  The celestial character being maintained in the walks, flower beds joss houses and walls.

 

The Italian Garden

The Italian garden description reads- Nearer the mansion is an appropriate appendage thereto and is designed with the object of yielding a consistent and beautiful look-out from the windows of the front.  The Terraces and walks reaching to the small lake with its islands and richly planted margins, and the thickly wooded grounds beyond, afford a very happy coup d'oeil.  Passing mention only may be here made to the very numerous remaining features of these grounds such as the valuable collection of Araucarias.

William Salt Library Ref: Sc F/4/28

Follow this link to see previous documents that have been placed under the spotlight.

Last Modified: 19/09/2007 11:44:45
Back to top