817/09/01Thursday
SECRET MODERN GARDEN FOR MEDIEVAL BISHOPS'' PALACE -English Heritage Invests £400,000 In The Regeneration Of Lincoln''s Historic Centre- - -New Visitor and Education Facilities on Site-
His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester, English Heritage Commissioner with responsibility for the East Midlands, today (Thursday 6 September) opened the new Contemporary Heritage Garden and visitor centre at The Medieval Bishops'' Palace in Lincoln, once the administrative centre of the largest diocese in medieval England.
Lincoln Medieval Bishops'' Palace is looked after by English Heritage on behalf of the nation. It was the home of the Bishops of Lincoln from the 1150s until it was abandoned after the Civil War of the 1640s when it was sacked. It currently attracts 15,000 visitors a year and hosts 500 free school visits.
Today''s ceremony marks the completion of a two-year £400,000 investment project by English Heritage. The result is English Heritage''s third Contemporary Heritage Garden, vastly improved visitor facilities and a new education room.
Contemporary Heritage Gardens are a five-year £1.5 million project to create new gardens in English Heritage historic properties from 1999-2004. Leading garden designers, plantsmen and landscape architects are being invited to compete to redesign the gardens. [ The Lincoln Contemporary Heritage Garden has been designed by Mark Anthony Walker, who has drawn inspiration from the ecclesiastical architecture of Lincoln Cathedral, the geometric lines of the nearby vineyard and the city''s Roman Walls to create an elegant lattice design.
Nestling in the shadow of the vast 11th century Cathedral and sited on its Walled Terrace, there are spectacular views from the garden over Lincoln and the Vale of Trent.
The 19th century Coach House, a Grade I listed building, now houses new visitor facilities, a shop and education room where an audio visual interpretation system and display panels tell the story of the Medieval Bishops'' Palace. A ''virtual reality'' tour will provide enjoyment and understanding of the Palace''s rich history for any visitor who is unable physically to access the entire site.
Rod Giddins, English Heritage Regional Director for the East Midlands, said: "The garden and new visitor and educational facilities are crucial to the regeneration and understanding of Lincoln''s historic core. Investing in the city''s important historic buildings will bring sustainable economic benefits, as more visitors come to this magnificent city.
"We would not have been able to deliver such a successful project without the support of the Lindum Hillside Partnership, especially Lincoln City Council, the Diocese of Lincoln and the Dean and Chapter at Lincoln Cathedral. I would like to thank them for their valued support and commitment throughout."
John Watkins, English Heritage Head of Gardens and Landscape, said: "Mark Anthony Walker''s contemporary design for the Walled Terrace Garden uses elegant lines and simple geometric patterns that respect the character and spirit of the Medieval Bishops'' Palace and Cathedral whilst providing an important visual link with the surrounding 21st century skyline.
"First sight of the garden is from an oak platform, which provides spectacular views over the vineyard, the Temple Gardens, and across the city.
"The Contemporary Heritage Gardens project is providing a wonderful opportunity for the best garden designers and landscape architects to create new garden settings at English Heritage historic properties around the country."
Mark Anthony Walker, said: "I am delighted to have had the opportunity to work on a project that, I believe, has enhanced an important green space within Lincoln. I hope that the garden will provide a place where people come to contemplate and enjoy its unique spiritual atmosphere.
"My design for the Walled Terrace Garden attempts to capture the unique spirit of the Medieval Bishops'' Palace and enhance its setting on the terraces above the historic city of Lincoln.
"The layout and planting of the garden is very simple. Sharp architectural lines contrast with the older more organic feel of the palace ruins whilst providing a visual link with the surrounding landscape."
Entry to the Walled Terrace Garden and Medieval Bishops'' Palace will be free on Friday 7 September as part of Heritage Open Days, the annual event that sees hundreds of unusual and important historic buildings across the country opening their doors to the public. [Ends]
NOTES TO EDITORS: Photographs of Lincoln Medieval Bishops'' Palace are available free of charge on the English Heritage PixElect Site on the Press Association Bulletin Board.
CONTEMPORARY HERITAGE GARDENS The first two Contemporary Heritage Gardens opened in summer 2000. Isabelle Van Groeningen re-designed the South Moat Garden at Eltham Palace in South London and Rupert Golby re-designed the Walled Fruit and Flower Garden at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. The Cockpit Garden at Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire will open next spring. The fifth and sixth gardens are the Governor''s Garden at Portland Castle on the Dorset coast which opens summer 2002 and 19th century wilderness at Witley Court in Worcestershire which is due to open in summer 2003.
LINDUM HILLSIDE PARTNERSHIP The partnership, which represents all groups with an interest in Lincoln''s historic hillside aims to encourage regeneration and promote the many attractions of the area. The partnership includes Lincoln Cathedral, Lincoln City Council, the Universities of Lincoln, the Diocese of Lincoln and English Heritage. -4-
Opening Times: Medieval Bishops'' Palace and Contemporary Heritage Garden: Until 30 Sept: 10am-6pm daily. 1-31 Oct: 10am-5pm daily. 1 Nov-28March 2002: 10am-4pm Sat-Sun. Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan 2002.Open daily for Lincoln Christmas Market, 6-9 Dec. Entry £2.50/£1.90/£1.30. Tel: 01522 527468.
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23 SAVILE ROW, LONDON, W1X 1AB Telephone 020 7973 3250 Facsimile 020 7973 3146
