Prior Park Landscape Garden

From Freepedia

Prior Park Landscape Garden is an 18th-century landscape garden, designed by the poet Alexander Pope and Capability Brown, and now owned by the National Trust. It is south of the City of Bath, Somerset, by Prior Park Road, and 3/4 mile (1.2 km) from the Kennet & Avon canal path.

Prior Park was created by local entrepreneur and philanthropist Ralph Allen from about 1734 until his death in 1764, with advice from both Alexander Pope and ‘Capability’ Brown. Allen became Mayor of Bath in 1742, having started off working in the post office. Much of the "Bath stone" so prevalent in Bath came from Allen's limestone mines under Combe Down. Circa 1742, Allen commissioned architect John Wood to build a mansion within the park, which is now owned by Prior Park College. William Warburton, Allen's son-in-law, lived there for some time.

The 28 acre (113,000 m²) landscape garden is set in a dramatic site running down a small steep valley, with fine views of the City of Bath. Its many interesting features include a Palladian bridge, Gothic Temple, Grass Cabinet, Mrs Allen's Grotto, and three lakes including the Serpentine Lake.

A 5 minute walk from the garden leads on to the Bath Skyline, a 6 mile (10 km) circular walk around the city that encompasses woodlands, meadows, an Iron Age hill-fort, Roman settlements, 18th-century follies and spectacular views.