Introduction

Over the last 50 to 60 years interest in garden history and in the importance of the designed landscape has grown through the efforts of historians, geographers, the Garden History Society, landscape architects and, not least, the County Gardens Trusts.   In 1983, the Hampshire Gardens Trust was established through the initiative of the Hampshire County Council.  Since that time, with the support of the County Council, research of historic parks and gardens has played a key role in the work of the Trust.

Examples on the following web pages indicate briefly the range and variety of parks and gardens found in Hampshire, representing different periods, styles and features.

* 17th century parks and gardens, created before and after the Restoration
* 18th century parks and gardens, created in the English Landscape style
* 19th century parks and gardens typical of the Victorian period
* 20th century Arts & Crafts gardens, public parks and post-war gardens.

More information about Hampshire’s parks and gardens may be found in the County’s 1983 booklet ‘Historic Parks and Gardens’ published as part of their Countryside Heritage series.

In 1987, the Trust published Pleasure Grounds, The Gardens and Landscapes of Hampshire, to accompany an exhibition held in Southampton Art Gallery.

In 2007, the County published Hampshire’s Historic Parks and Gardens that is available to download via this link, and is also available from the Environment Department, telephone 01962 832344.

An excellent collection of garden history books, purchased by the Trust and available to members, is located on the fourth floor at Southampton University Hartley Library.  This link gives the current list of garden history books, how to use the library and information on car parking.

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or to the 17th century