The prolonged sunshine has revealed intriguing outlines in the grass in front of the ruined Great Hall, giving a glimpse of historic garden features thought to form part of the Palace’s 18th-century Dutch-style gardens.
The remarkable patterns, which are particularly clear when viewed from above, have been captured using drone photography. They show lines believed to mark former gravel paths, with areas between them likely to have contained neatly clipped grass or box hedging. There are very few records of the gardens at this time, so these photographs are particularly interesting as they contribute to a lost historical record.
An L-shaped feature visible on the South Lawn also appears to correspond with a water feature that we know once formed part of the garden.
Although periods of dry weather have affected the Palace gardens before, the features have not previously been noticed with this level of clarity. Drone photography has provided a striking new perspective, making the patterns much easier to identify.
Though not confirmed, the phenomenon is thought to be caused by differences in the ground beneath the grass. Remnants of old paths, walls and other structures can affect drainage, soil heat and restrict the depth of grass roots, causing the grass immediately above them to react differently during prolonged hot, dry conditions.
James Cross, Head Gardener at The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens, said: “It’s fascinating to see these features appearing so clearly in the grass. We know that there was an 18th-century Dutch-style garden here, but have very few details more than that. Seeing these outlines emerge gives us a wonderful glimpse of how this part of the Palace grounds may once have looked.
“The gardens have changed enormously over the centuries, so it’s quite extraordinary to think that traces of their earlier layouts are still sitting just beneath our feet. Sometimes it takes something as simple as a spell of very dry weather, and a view from above, to bring that history back into sight.”
At the time these gardens were laid out, the walls of the immense medieval Great Hall were still standing, although its roof had already gone. Today, its dramatic ruins form one of the most recognisable features of The Bishop’s Palace.
The discovery adds more detail to the intriguing history of the Palace gardens, where there is evidence of gardening stretching back to even before Bishop Jocelin began work on the Palace in around 1206.
The Bishop’s Palace and Gardens is home to 14 acres of RHS Partner Gardens in the heart of Wells, Somerset.
