18th century formal gardens, Boreham House (EHER 8569)

Formal canal and gardens laid out in the 1720's with pleasure grounds designed by Richard Woods in the 1770's.

Gardens and parkland includes 18th century formal canal. Boreham House was built 1727-28, altered 1802-03, 1827-8. The property was originally part of the New Hall, Boreham estate sold with New Hall to Benjamin Hoare in 1713. The principal garden feature is the 0.25km rectilinear canal aligned on the NW front of the house, beginning 70m from the house. Originally flanked by double lines of elms, it is now replanted with various shrubs and trees, set in lawn. Work to rear in 1771-72, in SE of house, by Edward Pugh to designs by Richard Woods, including creation of a small lake with island which still exists. Since 1954 Boreham house has been the Tractor and Equipment Training Centre for Ford Tractor Operations. Planting in the park took place during the early 19th century. Alterations to the gardens were made during the early 20th century. <1> <2> <3> Other refs: <4><5><6>. An undated abstract of work done at Boreham pre-dates the ledger of work of Woods and Ansell 1763-66 and the ice house and 'Pleasure Ground Field' are marked on a survey of around 1840 near to the house which suggests these may have been completed before the work on the river started. <7><8> Other refs: <9><10.<11><12><13><14><15><16> <17> <18>. Additional information and revised map of registered park and garden in EHCR (revised November 2000). <19> Area = 13ha Additional references <20> - <22>