On Thursday 23rd April 13 members of the group met at Bolton Hall, which was original gatehouse of Bolton Priory. The c.14 building was converted into a hunting lodge in 1652 and was owned by the Dukes of Devonshire since 1748 when the 4th Duke, William Cavendish married Lady Charlotte Boyle a descendant of the Cliffords. In 1840/44 the 6th Duke employed Sir Joseph Paxton to undertake extensive work to the gatehouse, as well as work at Chatsworth. Paxton was responsible for the building of Crystal Palace.
Bolton Hall Paxton extension. Photo Peter Wright.
Bolton Hall Dipping Pond. Photo Peter Wright
Peter Smith, the gardener employed by the estate since 1976 showed us the egg shaped ice house. Peter then took us to the kitchen garden built in 1717 and which hehas completely rejuvenated over the past 20 years. He introduced a water supply from a stream off the moor into a dipping pond which he utilised on the beds and borders and the surplus is diverted back into the stream below.
The garden was looking very springlike with a multitude of colourful tulips and a fascinating chocolate vine (Ankebia Quinata white chocolate)climbing over arches, which took everyone’s fancy.
Bolton Hall Ankebia Quinata. Photo Peter Wright
We took a look at the workshop, tool store and former dog kennels, before returning to the gatehouse to welcome cakes and drinks. We viewed the adjacent drawing room with many family portraits and exquisite furniture and finally enjoyed the lovely garden round the hall.
