a rose labyrinth ...

This is one of the most beautiful rose gardens I have visited.

Coughton Court in Warwickshire. (pronounced Coat-un)

 

Wandering the gravel paths,

Fingers glancing over silken petals

and prickled thorn.

The air hangs heavy with sweetness

and honied scents.

Roses of all colours and hue
Noisette, Alba, Damask, Floribunda

Scrambling skyward or trailing low.

Following the twisted curve

The labyrinth

An endless path leading to

Where flowering abundance begins and ends.

Darkened arbours to sit in shade

and view the house of history, made

 of ancient stone, turret and gable
standing still,
 brooding,
watching over the centuries.

And now for the history bit ... 



The name Coughton (pronounced "Coat-un") suggests a settlement or farm known for the hunting of woodcock or game birds. It is believed that there was a medieval house on the site when John de Throckmorton arrived in 1409 to marry into the de Spiney family. Since that time, Coughton Court has been home to the Throckmortons, one of the UK’s oldest Catholic families.  This year the family is celebrating its 600th anniversary of residence at Coughton Court.

Through its rich and varied history, the house has witnessed some of the most defining moments in British history – from the court of Henry VIII to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605.

Coughton Court still has many of its original features including its flamboyant sixteenth-century gate tower. It is one of the last remaining Roman Catholic houses in the country to retain its historic treasures: it houses one of the very best collections of portraits and memorabilia of one family from the early Tudor times.  Alongside family items on display, there are pieces such as the chemise reputedly worn by Mary Queen of Scots when she was executed and a bishop’s Cope, with intricate needlework, believed to have been worked upon by Catherine of Aragon.

Coughton Court was gifted to the National Trust in 1946 by the Throckmortons , with a 300 year lease to the family.  The Throckmortons continues to live at Coughton Court, continuing six centuries of unbroken tradition.

After inheriting the estate in 1992, it was Clare McLaren-Throckmorton's intention, together with her daughter, the acclaimed garden designer Christina Williams, to create a garden that provides this beautiful house the setting it deserves.

Elaine

p.s.  the photos really don't do the garden justice - the sun was so bright it just bleached everything out.