Address: Lower Clifton Hill, Clifton, Bristol, BS8 1BU
Manor Hall as a site, comprises of a number of separate buildings and includes Sinclair House, Richmond House and Manor House.
Manor House garden lies on a steep slope that was replanted in the 1980’s with trees chosen as examples of those that would have been productive in an eighteenth century. Quince, mulberry, fig, pear, sweet chestnut, assorted flowering cherry trees and walnut. The produce would have been picked by the gardeners and taken to the Cook through a hidden tunnel so as not to disturb the residents.
The main garden you see today, was laid out by Dr Hiatt Cowles Baker (1864-1934), a Pro Chancellor of the University in 1934, a fact commemorated by the ornamental bird bath in the centre of the main lawn.
Dr Hiatt who was known for his love of plants and gardens, embarked on plant hunting expeditions abroad along with other famous plant hunters of the time including Edward Augustus Bowles (1865-19544), Arthur Kilpin Bulley (1861-1942) and Canon Henry Ellacombe (1822-1916) to collect seeds and plants from places as far apart as the Himalayas and China were shown. The oldest of the cherry trees and the two magnificent tulip trees date from his planting in the 1930’s, date unknown.
Hiatt Bakers design for Manor House garden was regarded as his last gift to the University, his daughter was said to recall that he had always wanted to keep it simple but completely symmetrical. Regarded as a predominantly Spring garden the flat lawn is dotted with an abundance of snowdrops, crocus, primrose and daffodils as the weather warms.
