Hamilton Gardens’ Tudor Garden is fit for the monarchy, inspired by Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, full of intricate designs, hidden meanings, and fantasy beasts.

Welcome to England in the age of the Tudors. This is the period of Henry VIII and his six wives and the golden age of Elizabeth I. This garden celebrates the Tudors’ love of intricate designs, fantasy beasts, and secret symbols. Admire the pudding house, stroll beneath the shipbuilder’s arbour, and meander through the knot garden.

• Geometric patterns and an intricately designed ‘knot’ garden
• Mythical beasts such as dragons and bears
• Striking colours and bunting reflecting the houses of York and Lancaster. 

Background of the Tudor Garden

This captivating Tudor Garden reflects the fascination of 16th century English aristocracy with geometric patterns and symbolism. Immerse yourself in a meticulously designed landscape, where every detail whispers stories of the past. 

Although many original Tudor Gardens were destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's Roundheads, their legacy lives on in meticulously recreated spaces like this one. Prepare to be mesmerised by the intricate knot garden, inspired by the drawings of Didymus Mountain (pen name of Thomas Hill). This elaborate design, surrounded by mythical beasts, an Elizabethan wall, and a charming stone pavilion, embodies the essence of Tudor artistry.

Double meanings and symbolic elements are woven into the very fabric of the Tudor Garden. The mythical beasts, perched atop green and white striped poles, represent powerful figures of the era, including Sir Francis Drake. These captivating creatures, along with the Tudor Rose, itself a symbol of unity, offer a glimpse into the values and aspirations of the time.

Tudor Gardens weren't just pleasing to the eye: they were also vibrant social spaces. Imagine elaborate masques (fantasy plays) performed amidst the greenery, while families enjoyed sweet summer desserts like marzipan and sweet spiced wine in the intimate pavilion. 

Can you spot these Mythical Beasts on your visit? 

Phoenix

Shield: Sir Francis Drake (privateer, slaver, sailor), notorious for his many plunderous journeys sanctioned by Elizabeth I. The Spanish nicknamed him ‘El Draque’, the Dragon. He was the first Englishman to circumnavigate the globe. 

Unicorn

Shield: Mary, Queen of Scots (reigned 1542-1567, then returned to Scotland and reigned until 1587). Technically the last Tudor monarch, Mary had been the Queen since she was six days old to her beheading at the age of 44. She was accused of having her husband, Darnley, murdered. 

Griffin

Shield: King Henry VIII (reigned 1509-1547), famous for so many things. Henry VIII was known to be a very charismatic, intelligent, and cruel king. He had six marriages, most of which ended terribly. He is by far the most well-known of all the British monarchs.

Dragon

Shield: Queen Elizabeth I (reigned 1558-1603), famous for being the offspring of King Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. She was to be the final monarch of the Tudor Dynasty and was succeeded by James, the son of Mary, Queen of Scots - her cousin whose death she signed-off on.

Satyr

Shield: Sir Francis Bacon (lawyer, natural philosopher, historian, writer, scientist), famous for being made Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. He championed scientific methodology as a leading thinker in natural philosophy.

Centaur

Shield: Sir Thomas More (lawyer, statesman, social philosopher, Lord Chancellor under Henry VIII, and humanist – also known as St. Thomas More), famous for writing Utopia and becoming Lord Chancellor of England.

Sea serpent

Shield: Sir Walter Raleigh (writer, poet, soldier, aristocrat, privateer), famous for being a favourite of Queen Elizabeth I. His privateering on behalf of Elizabeth took him to the east coast of America, and North Carolina’s capital city is named after him.

Bottom

Shield: William Shakespeare (playwright, poet), famous for being the most prolific playwright and poet of the day. His works are still performed to this day.

Experience the grandeur and symbolism of this bygone era, and gain a deeper appreciation for the enduring legacy of Tudor design.