Gardens and Gateaux visit the Bishop’s Palace

As our comfortable coach left the Bishop’s Palace and Gardens behind, we settled into our roomy seats and could reflect upon all the sights we had enjoyed in the sunshine.

To begin with the Head Gardner, James Cross, gave a brief outline of the changes that the Gardens had undergone during the centuries. As we stood among the ruins of the Great Hall, James told us that the general aim in that area was to use many varied leaf forms and textures to add interest to ‘the Picturesque style‘ first introduced by Bishop Law after the mid 1820s. James has to submit a long-term plan for the Gardens to the Palace Trust for approval, showing the gradual changes and areas which need refreshing around every 18 – 20 years.

Our Bishop’s Palace volunteer guide, Jenny, took us around the ramparts and explained that they were made from the soil dug out when the moat was created in the 14th century, partly to help prevent flooding.

She showed us the two trees, a male and a female, which had naturally fused together and now looked like one tree. Nearby we admired the bright colours and dark foliage of ‘the Bishop’s dahlias’ including the rarely available ‘Bishop Peter Price’.

Moving on, there were the famed Well Pools and St Andrew’s Well which are fed from many sources in the Mendip Hills. Nearby were the allotments, Communuty and Quiet Gardens. A quick tour was made of the Bishop’s Chapel then we were left to wander as we pleased.

Some people had not joined the guided tour and chose to explore by themselves. There was plenty to see outside the drawbridge entrance to the Palace. A street market was in progress upon our arrival, which attracted attention, as did the Medieval Street, Vicar’s Close, built for the Vicar’s Choral around 1348 and is still used for the original purpose today! Bell ringing swans also provided proved popular with, plenty of photo opportunities.

There will be an extra final meeting at Powderham bistro at 11 am on the 22nd of October 2024.  Please let Jenny Lancaster know if you would like to join in the coffee morning, possibly extending into lunch, as places will need to be booked.

Jenny will be standing down as convenor of the Gardens and Gateaux group after October due to other commitments. If you feel that you would be interested in taking over, please contact Barry Baker, the Groups Coordinator via enquiries@u3a.dawlish.info.

Jenny Lancaster, retiring convenor