Summary
Nymans was rebuilt on a grand scale on C16 foundations in the 1890s and again in the 1920s, in the style of a West Country manor house.
Identification Images (1)
Most Recent Monitoring
None Recorded
Monument Types
- PARK (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
- GARDEN (Post Medieval - 1540 AD to 1900 AD)
- COUNTRY HOUSE (Undated)
Description
The house was destroyed by fire in 1947, the shell of the Great Hall remaining as a picturesque background to that part of the garden. The garden was first laid out by the then owner, Ludvig Messel, in 1890. William Robinson advised on design of the walled garden , which still remains, and Gertrude Jekyll visited frequently. James Comber was head gardener. The garden includes the first heather garden to be planted in England, a Japanese garden, a rock garden, a wild garden, Pinetum of 1890s and fine oaks and beeches in the park.{1}
A parkscape is shown on the OS 6ins maps of 1872-4 and 1898-9.{2} Plantsman & Collector's garden, 25-30 ha, c. 1885-1916 by Ludwig Messel, and to 1953 by Leonard Messel, with James Comber and family as head gardeners. Ruin of house 1925-30 by Walter Tapper, burnt 1947, on site of early C16 house rebuilt c.1890. Most of garden layout dates from first period. Walled garden in former orchard, by William Robinson, divided into quadrants, each of different planting. Centre piece is Italian fountain encircled by 4 Yews; dovecote in corner. Sunken garden with stone loggia and Byzantine urn. Japanese garden with pergola, Japanese lanterns. Heather garden was one of first in country. Rock garden, pinetum, classical temple by Alfred Messel. Laurel walk. Lime avenue leading to balustraded terrace. From 1920s on, rhododendron wood & wild garden, stone loggia added to sunken garden. Lady Rosse's old rose garden, 1960s. Great range of rare and ornamental trees, shrubs & plants, native oaks, beeches & maples in park.{3}
Sources
(1) Bibliographic reference: Palmer S. 1980.
(2) Bibliographic reference: Aldsworth FG. 1984. TQ22NE22.
(3) Bibliographic reference: English Heritage. 1984+. Register of Parks & Gardens of Special Historic Interest.
References
- --- SNA62470 - National Trust Report: Peter Rumley. 2007. Summary Archaeological and Architectural Evaluation of Existing Building, Nymans Estate, Sussex.
- --- SNA65981 - National Trust Report: National Trust. 2015. Archaeological Watching Brief, Nymans, Handcross, West Sussex.
Other Statuses and References
- HER/SMR Reference (External): 4301
Associated Events
- ENA4287 - Field Survey, Summary Archaeological and Architectural Evaluation of Existing Building, Nymans Estate, Sussex
- ENA7575 - Non Archaeological Intervention, Archaeological Watching Brief for Calor Gas Trenching at Nymans, West Sussex
Associated Finds
None Recorded
Related Records
None Recorded