Monument record 1694/3/5 - Post-medieval gardens, Abington Abbey

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Summary

Land to the west of the Abbey was known as Saffron Close in the late 17th century. This was replaced in the 18th century by formal gardens with ha-ha and possible bowling green.

Map

Type and Period (8)

Full Description

{1} Enclosure to west of manorhouse marked "Saffron Close"; replaced by formal gardens by mid C18th. The southern boundary of the manor is shown along the road to Northampton with a probable elaborate formal gateway.

{2} Earlier formality of gardens around house has been replaced by informal lay-out; lawns bounded by belts of trees to west of house. The southern boundary to country house still shown at this date.

{3} Shows detail of southern forecourt layout; centrepiece formed by sundial on pedestal; formal gardens to west of house also shown but detail difficult to determine. Southern boundary detail such as ha ha & ironwork gates.

{4} Shows ha ha but formal forecourt gone.

{5} Shows formal lay-out of gardens around house; forecourt with at least 3 other walled enclosures to west of house; central western court appears to have as its centrepiece a small circular pond; south-western court appears to have small & possibly ironwork structure on its southern boundary with ha-ha; north-western court also appears to have ironwork in form of gate leading to northwards-running avenue; formality appears to have gone by 1798. An annotation on the map also appears to indicate presence of a bowling green on west side of the house.

{6}Lease mentions Abbey gardens & shrubberies & pleasure grounds.

{7} In mid C18th setting of house was improved; formal entrance court laid out to south; it was bounded by high side walls & ha ha along road which was crossed by bridge leading to elaborate iron gates.

{8} Southern boundary may still survive at this time though appears to have been heavily tree-planted as informal belt around lawns;

{10} Low earthwork scarp possibly marks former southern boundary to manor; another possiblity is that it is associated with an east-west running road. Three posthole-type features are visible in parchmarks on the crest of a low scarp. Traces of stone found within 2 of them; possible location of former gates or fence; also possible narrow wall showing in parchmarks at a right angle to postholes.


<1> Grant V., 1671, Map of Abington (NRO Map 4524) (Map). SNN41646.

<2> 1798, Abington Map (NRO 470) (Map). SNN41653.

<3> Cole J., 1750, Abington Abbey, (checked) (Print). SNN45598.

<4> Clarke G., 1850, Abington Abbey, (unchecked) (Drawing). SNN47204.

<5> 1742, Abington Estate Map, (checked) (Map). SNN41652.

<6> 1836, NRO T(A)44, (unchecked) (Document). SNN45578.

<7> Heward J.; Taylor R., 1996, The Country Houses of Northamptonshire, p.48 (checked) (Book). SNN41757.

<8> Bryant A., 1827, Map of The County of Northampton, (checked) (Map). SNN2733.

<9> Ordnance Survey, 1887, First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Mapping Series (45.06), (unchecked) (Map). SNN58994.

<10> Cadman G.E., 1994, SMR Report Form (Report). SNN50051.

Sources/Archives (10)

  • <1> Map: Grant V.. 1671. Map of Abington (NRO Map 4524). NRO Map 4524.
  • <2> Map: 1798. Abington Map (NRO 470). NRO Map 470.
  • <3> Print: Cole J.. 1750. Abington Abbey. (checked).
  • <4> Drawing: Clarke G.. 1850. Abington Abbey. 1850. (unchecked).
  • <5> Map: 1742. Abington Estate Map. NRO Map 471. (checked).
  • <6> Document: 1836. NRO T(A)44. NRO T(A)44. (unchecked).
  • <7> Book: Heward J.; Taylor R.. 1996. The Country Houses of Northamptonshire. R.C.H.M.E.. p.48 (checked).
  • <8> Map: Bryant A.. 1827. Map of The County of Northampton. (checked).
  • <9> Map: Ordnance Survey. 1887. First Edition Ordnance Survey 25 Inch Mapping Series (45.06). 25 inches to 1 mile. Sheet 45.6. Ordnance Survey. (unchecked).
  • <10> Report: Cadman G.E.. 1994. SMR Report Form. Northamptonshire Heritage.

Finds (0)

Related Monuments/Buildings (1)

Related Events/Activities (2)

Location

Grid reference Centred SP 7736 6147 (203m by 157m)
Civil Parish NORTHAMPTON, West Northamptonshire (formerly Northampton District)

Protected Status/Designation

Other Statuses/References

  • None recorded

Record last edited

Apr 28 2025 12:36PM

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