Blaise Castle, Bristol, England

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

Brief description of site

The Blaise Castle Estate is a Picturesque landscape designed by Humphry Repton and John Nash for J S Harford. In addition to the gardens, there is also a landscaped wooded gorge, winding stream and a hill with cliffs. The house overlooks flat parkland and is approached by a serpentine and precipitous drive designed by Repton, ornamented with buildings.

Brief history of site

In 1688 Sir Samuel Astry inherited the estate. He built the great house and laid out an enclosed park. Around the house were formal parterres. In 1762 Thomas Farr bought 45 hectares of the estate, planning to develop the park as a pleasure ground. He planned walks around Castle Hill, built the castle and landscaped the hill as ramparts. Ijn 1789 the sit was bought by John Harford, who commissioned William Paty to design Blaise Castle House and Humphry Repton to improve the park.

The gardens mainly date to around 1796, being laid out on the remains of an early formal layout of around 1700.

Location information:

OS Landranger Map Sheet Number:	172	Grid Ref:	ST561783
Latitude:	51.50192	Longitude:	-2.633852

Key information:

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