“What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet”

As summertime approaches with an abundance and surge of fresh growth, here at The Hall a rich floral aroma fills the air. The roses that grow below the terrace, along against the retaining wall to the east of the house, are coming into full bloom with hues of apricot, cream and cerise pink.  In the 1880s Stephen Moulton’s son Horatio played a significant role in re-landscaping the gardens to the shape and form we recognise today; the work completed around the turn of the century by Stephen’s youngest son John.

Over the years, The Hall has provided a superb setting to a range of open garden events Including outdoor theatre.  One Theatre story in particular stands out here at The Hall.

During the month of June in 1996, the local theatre group - ‘Bradfordians Dramatic Society’ staged live performances of Shakespeare’s ‘Romeo and Juliet’ It was a large event with seats positioned in front of the House looking up towards the ornamental balustrade and terraced steps.  A suitable setting indeed, especially when one notes that Alex Moulton, like the Bard himself, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon.

This quote from the play’s event programme seems appropriate:  Charles Gildon 1710 – The Scene between Romeo and Juliet when he is in the Garden and she at her Window, tho’ it contains many things that will not join with Probability … yet the Fancy is everywhere so fine and Nature so agreeably painted that we perswade (sic) ourselves that it is pure unsophisticated Nature.  

The Bradfordians generously gifted an English rose to Dr Alex Moulton. The David Austin Rosa ‘Sweet Juliet’ rose is now affectionately known to staff at The Hall as the ‘Romeo and Juliet’ rose.  At this time of year perhaps this rose would have featured in the weekly vase displays of floral arrangements that graced Alex Moulton’s desk.

The rose breeder David Austin created over 300 varieties of roses during his lifetime. The Rosa ‘Sweet Juliet’ rose’s petals change from a light apricot peach to a pale pink hue as they blossom. The delicate fragrance is a real treat for the senses with its light floral bouquet.  This English rose has become a welcome addition to this garden’s botanical collection.

There is one climbing floribunda rose with white and cream hues growing by the Pergola – perhaps this rose tree is what remains of the former rose garden.  Majestically growing in the middle of the lawn is a large ancient looking deciduous Robinia ‘Robinia pseudoacacia.’  It is presently in full bloom with compound leaves and creamy pendulum-like flowers.  It is abundant with bees buzzing all around the blossom.  

In Septembers gone by, this tree has provided shade to the annual Moulton Bicycle Club’s visitors camping here on the lawn.  Families will have enjoyed a picnic beneath its branches and numerous Moulton bicycles will have leaned against its trunk over the many years.  We look forward to all this happening again.

Another ornamental tree that grows happily within The Hall’s grounds and along some of the estate walls is Wisteria, of the Wisteria floribunda and sinensis species.  Wisteria has distinctive pinate leaves and pale purple-lilac petals, they are hardy and fast growing and can be invasive - but here they provide a vivid display along some of the garden walls.

During the height of the 18th century emergence of garden landscape design, exotic plants and ornamental trees from far off lands were being discovered and introduced to British gardens.  Here at The Hall, the Roses, Tree Peonies, Robinia and Wisteria are just a few examples of ornamentals that would have created an enchanting atmosphere, as they still do today. The contrast to the immediate surroundings is remarkable, and would have been even more so when Moulton’s rubber factory lay just over the perimeter wall.  Stephen Moulton of course saw potential in rubber trees and it is thanks to his courage and determination that an entire industry evolved here in Bradford on Avon, based on harnessing the attributes of natural rubber from trees that grew some 6,500 miles away in Malaysia.   

The Hall’s estate has seen many changes to its garden design and landscape. There is always something to discover.  I look forward to sharing more of The Hall’s garden stories and news with you all again soon.  In the next few months, the AMCT will hopefully be able to open the gardens once more for more visitors to enjoy. 

Text and Images © Kate Berry 2020