Hatfield House
Pleasure, Power and Politics:
Gardening with the Elizabethans
Illustrated talk by Dr Twigs Way
Monday, 7 April 2008
10.30 for 11.00 am
The Riding School Conference Centre
Hatfield House
Tickets £15
Pleasure, Power and Politics: fundamentals of the Elizabethan court displayed for all to see in the gardens
of her courtiers.
As the English Eglantine triumphed over the Spanish Jasmine, and the primrose green flowered through
an everlasting spring of over forty years reign, none were as successful or skilful in their gardens
as the Cecil family.
Using a complex system of allegory they created gardens to welcome the court and advance themselves.
Starting with Burghley House, Theobalds and the Strand house (London), William Cecil, Lord Burghley,
encouraged his sons to flower through creations at Pymms (Robert Cecil), and Wimbledon House (Thomas Cecil)
as well as the later Hatfield House (Robert Cecil).
To understand gardening as a political act was to understand the rich allegory of the Elizabethan court –
and who better to act as our guides than the Cecil family.
This talk was originally planned as part of the House Guides' training programme
but there is plenty of space for members of the public.
Tickets @ £15 can be booked
on line from Hatfield House
or by telephoning 01707 287010.