Medieval Castle Gardens

The gardens and grounds of medieval castles are always something I enjoy walking amongst. Centuries of love, care and attention have, after all, been invested by many people in a single medieval garden; countless hours spent tending flower beds, herb patches and planting trees.

Whatever the reason, if you have never visited a medieval castle garden .... you should!

The gardens and grounds of Berkeley Castle are delightful. Nothing pretentious or ostentatious, just a big, beautiful green space broken up by dashes of colour from flowers here and there.

According to history, Queen Elizabeth I was a regular visitor to Berkeley Castle and enjoyed many hours walking the gardens and grounds.

There certainly is a great sense of history as you walk on the grass, looking up at the massive stone walls of the castle.

Medieval Gardening & Herbs

Gardens were a great source of ingredients for both cooking and medicinal purposes in medieval times. Some herbs and plants were also used for religious ceremonies and for dyeing of fabrics.

A selection of herbs and plants grown in medieval gardens are still around today with a few still used for the same purpose – eg. Rosemary (Romarinus officinalis) was used then, as it is now, in cookery for seasoning.

Others include:
Angelica (Angelica archangelica)
Borage (Borage officinalis)
Dill (Anethum graveolens)
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Lavender (Lavendula angustifolia
Sage (Salvia officinalis)
Thyme (Thymus spp)


Photo: Rosemary growing in my garden

Many medieval castles have gardens, not all dating from the medieval era admittedly, but many of the families who have owned these castles over the centuries have developed herb gardens within their castle gardens. I once enjoyed a super meal cooked by Lady Carlisle at Naworth Castle and recall how she enthused about the quality of the herbs in the recipe – all from her own herb garden within the castle grounds. I must admit, the food did taste really good!