The history of the Walled Garden
The Walled Garden at Preston Hall once provided its wealthy residents with fresh produce all year round.
Step back in time to the 1800s, when gardens and orchards played a crucial role in sustaining grand estates.
What remains today offers a glimpse of the size and productivity of the garden during its peak in the late 19th century.
The purpose of the garden
Beyond fruit and vegetables, the estate's grounds were used for beekeeping, fishing, and livestock rearing. Gardens were typically positioned away from the main house to preserve uninterrupted views of the parkland, but remained close to the kitchen for a steady supply of fresh ingredients for the cook.
It was commonly believed that an acre of practical garden was needed to feed a family of 12. On large estates like Preston Hall, with several acres of kitchen garden, the produce not only sustained the family but also their guests and the many estate staff.
