The Pets' Graveyard and Prospect Tower, Belmont House Gardens

Image: © Marathon Taken: 11 Jun 2016

General George Harris settled at Belmont in 1787 and his house bears the date 1792. It was built with prize money from his military career in India. In 1815 he was created Lord Harris. The gardens surrounding the house are a mix of formal and informal planting, herbaceous, woodland, fruit and vegetables which have evolved since they were first laid out in the late 18th century. The walled gardens are particularly attractive. The long grass in the front of the photograph here is the location of the Pets' Graveyard. Beyond is the Prospect Tower which is a small flint folly. The Lord Harris of the time called it his “whim”. It was originally used as a summerhouse for family teas, and later as a pavilion by the fourth baron, George Harris, who captained England in 1878 and laid a cricket pitch here to rival Lord’s and the Oval. A fuller account of a trip to the gardens can be seen at http://www.belmont-house.org/uploads/Belmont%20House%20and%20gardens%20Sunday%20telegraph%20July%2012.pdf The gardens are open all year round. The old stables have been converted to an attractive tea room where the tables are within the old horse stalls. For more information see http://www.belmont-house.org/the-gardens/

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