17th and 18th century formal garden and landscape park at Belchamp Hall (EHER 18810)

Landscape park and formal gardens to Belchamp Hall covering an area of nine hectares. The grounds at Belchamp Hall are first documented in 1605 and comprised a garden surrounding the hall, an orchard and a pond. Most of the present layout dates to 1720-21. Further planting in the park took place by 1799. Additions to the park took place during the late 19th century. Further planting in the gardens took place in the late 20th century.

Original HER entry merged with NRHE data import: Belchamp Hall was built in 1720 for John Raymond. The stables and coach house date from the late 18th century, they are 50m to the north of the hall with walls and gate-piers further to the north forming a service entrance, and enclosing the walled kitchen garden. The main entrance, with gate piers, is 80m to the east-south-east of Belchamp Hall. The entrance drive leads to a circular carriage drive before the south east front of the house, with sun dial at centre. The drive is flanked by two late 18th century stone vases. The Church of St Mary, 110m to the east, forms a visual part of the landscape scheme. The ground round Belchamp Hall slopes down slightly from west to east. The gardens are enclosed from south-east round to north-north-west by park and woodland. Details of garden activity at Belchamp Hall are imprecise. It is probable that much of the present layout round the Hall dates from early or mid 18th century. Geometrical terrace-walks were built to south-west and south-east of the hall, with a garden house at the southern apex. Beyond and parallel with the south-east terrace is a brick-lined rectangular pool. Woodland beyond. Lawn to east, south, and south-west of the Hall, round approach drive, and with bedding in south-west area. To north-north-east, 20th century rose and herbaceous garden. <1> See also: <2> - <4>