Monument record 3969/5 - The Wilderness

{1} Description of wilderness

{2} Ground rises gradually from small stream called Ise; hornbeam hedges shown in 1758 said to be highest in England were planted in wilderness by Sir William Cockayne in form of great cross; each quarter then laid out in bowers & labyrinths etc

{3} Most interesting part of ground is Wilderness; originally planted by Sir William Cockayne with hornbeam hedges in form of cross; each quarter laid out in walks & labyrinths & bowers etc in accordance with quaint fashion of time; truffles are said to have been imported with planting for Wilderness; hornbeam hedges said to have been highest in England but were destroyed in 1785 when walks were re-arranged

{4} Wilderness is a main attraction of site; originally laid out by Sir William Cockayne woth hornbeam hedges in form of cross; each quarter laid out with bowers & labyrinths etc according to fantastic fashion of time; hedges said to be highest in England but were cut down in 1785 when formal walks were demolished & others made; mentions truffles;

<1> Morton J., 1712, The Natural History of Northamptonshire, (unchecked) (Book). SNN10113.

<2> Adams G.E., Some Account of The Family of Cockayne at Rushton: Their Principal Residence, (part checked) (Uncertain). SNN46928.

<3> 1896, Rushton And Its Owners, (unchecked) (Article). SNN77120.

<4> CAMPION S.S., 1878, RUSHTON: HISTORICAL & BIOGRAPHICAL & ARCHAEOLOGICAL, (unchecked) (Uncertain). SNN44327.

Record last edited

Feb 4 2011 12:58PM