Sherborne Castle, Yeovil, England

Site is open to the public. Opening may be limited, please check Visitor Information for any restrictions.

Brief description of site

The landscape was previously a medieval deer park, to which formal gardens were added from the late-17th to early-18th century. These were then extensively 'landscaped' in the later-18th century. Much of the land has been returned to agricultural use, with the present parkland and lake covering around 48 hectares. There are fine mature trees in the parkland and beside the lake.

Brief history of site

Sherborne Old Castle was built between 1107 and 1135. The 'new' castle was built by Sir Walter Raleigh in 1594. The new house was extended between 1600 and 1609 by Simon Basil. There is no certain evidence for 16th century garden work. Extensive formal gardens were created in the 17th century between the two Castles, involving terraces, a bowling green, formal plantations, and a T-shaped canal fed and formed from the river Yeo. Capability Brown was consulted in 1756 (when Sherborne Lake was begun) and again between 1775-1779.

Location information:

OS Landranger Map Sheet Number:	194	Grid Ref:	ST649164
Latitude:	50.94596	Longitude:	-2.500995

Key information:

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