A Brief History of The Walled Gardens at Croome Court
The Walled Gardens at Croome Court form part of the wider Croome Estate, a landscape shaped by some of the most influential designers and architects of the eighteenth century. Today the gardens stand as one of the largest privately restored Georgian walled gardens in the United Kingdom, but their origins and evolution stretch back more than two hundred and fifty years.
This page offers a concise history of the site, from its earliest development to its restoration in the modern day.
Origins in the Eighteenth Century
The walled garden is believed to have been established during the mid-eighteenth century as part of the extensive remodelling of Croome Estate under the 6th Earl of Coventry. This period saw the involvement of several prominent figures in landscape and architectural design, including Lancelot “Capability” Brown and Robert Adam.
Walled gardens were vital features of large estates, providing protected spaces for fruit, vegetables and exotic plants. At Croome, the scale of the garden reflected the importance of horticulture to the estate and the ambition of its owners.
Nineteenth Century Development
By the early nineteenth century, the garden had expanded in both structure and purpose.
One of the most significant additions was the vinery designed in 1805 by George Tod, a leading specialist in glasshouse and vine house construction. Recent excavations have confirmed the location and structure of this original vinery, revealing a rare surviving example of Tod’s work.
The garden at this time would have been a thriving centre of production, using innovative horticultural techniques and heated glasshouses to grow fruit and vegetables for the estate.
Twentieth Century Decline
As with many historic gardens, the twentieth century brought a period of decline.
Changing estate ownership, the impact of both World Wars and a reduction in the number of skilled gardeners led to many structures falling into disrepair.
By the late twentieth century, the glasshouses were derelict, planting areas were overgrown and much of the garden’s infrastructure was either hidden or lost.
Despite this decline, the fundamental layout of the garden survived, providing an important foundation for future restoration.
Restoration in the Twenty-First Century
A new chapter began in 2000 when Chris and Karen Cronin became custodians of the Walled Gardens. Their long-term vision was to restore the garden with care, authenticity and respect for its historic character.
Key restoration achievements include:
• full reconstruction of the Melon House, Fig House, Tomato House and Pineapple House
• reintroduction of sash windows and frames using traditional joinery
• restoration of the central dipping pond
• discovery and interpretation of the original Tod Vinery
• creation of the Rose Garden, Mosaic Garden and Mediterranean Garden
• establishment of an on-site carpentry workshop
• revival of heritage apple varieties and historic vegetable production
Through archaeological research, historic plans, archival material and hands-on craftsmanship, the gardens have been returned to life as both a working landscape and a place of beauty.
The Garden Today
The Walled Gardens at Croome Court now offer visitors the opportunity to explore a remarkable combination of eighteenth-century design, nineteenth-century innovation and twenty-first-century restoration.
Glasshouses are once again functioning.
Heritage produce is grown using pesticide-free methods.
Important structures have been rediscovered and rebuilt.
New features complement the historic fabric without overshadowing it.
The gardens continue to evolve through ongoing research, restoration and community collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The restoration of the Walled Gardens is an ongoing project.
Future developments include:
• a permanent pavilion for workshops and events
• further archaeological interpretation
• new planting schemes
• a planned cascade water feature
• extended lighting to support seasonal activity
This long-term vision continues the story of Croome’s historic landscape while ensuring the garden remains a place of learning, wellbeing and inspiration.
Sehr eindrucksvolle Historie