Aldenham House, Elstree, England

This site is NOT open to public.

Brief description of site

The site has been occupied since at least the 16th century. It now comprises the remains of a late-19th-century arboretum, ornamental gardens and parkland. At its most extensive the garden covered about 150 hectares. In the 20th century the site came into divided use and ownership, with around 80 hectares of woodland and open ground (largely playing fields) around the mansion, which is now a school.

Brief history of site

There were once two country houses on the site, which were developed in the 16th and 17th centuries. These came under the same ownership in 1640. By the late-18th century one property, Aldenham House, was surrounded by formal gardens and a landscape park, whilst Aldenham Hall had largely disappeared. The site was further developed in the late-19th-century. The whole garden was celebrated in the early to mid-20th century for its variety, extent and extreme horticultural excellence, becoming 'the period's most discussed virtuoso garden' (Elliott 1986). The arboretum was particularly renowned.

Location information:

OS Landranger Map Sheet Number:	166	Grid Ref:	TQ134993
Latitude:	51.68102	Longitude:	-0.3611834

Key information:

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