Monument record 4392/2/26 - Lamport Hall Rockery

One of the earliest Alpine gardens in England, this was begun by Sir Charles in 1847 and worked on by him until the 1890s. The retaining wall is Grade II listed.

{1} Rock garden 1848 created by Sir Charles Isham i/c garden 1845-1898.

{2} To its east, and immediately south of the decorative, octagonal, mid C19 dairy (listed grade II), is the Rockery. One of the earliest Alpine gardens in England, this was begun by Sir Charles in 1847 and was worked on by him until the 1890s. Of ironstone, it comprises a rough, north-facing, steeply sloping face (listed grade II) some 6m tall and 25m long with a level area at its base. The planting includes dwarf firs and cedars and miniature Japanese shrubs. This area was once populated with small gnomes, imported from Nuremberg by Sir Charles, which were placed to suggest they were mining caves and crevices. This is thought to be the first appearance of the garden gnome in England. The Rockery's south side, towards the garden, is vertical and resembles the wall of a roofless building.

<1> Anthony J., 1979, Gardens of Britain, (unchecked) (Series). SNN34164.

Record last edited

Sep 16 2020 12:44PM