Walled garden to open for 950th anniversary celebrations

Mr Yorke's Walled Garden.

A walled garden in Richmond is to open to the public next weekend as part of celebrations to mark the town’s 950th anniversary.

Mr Yorke’s walled warden will open for the afternoon on Sunday, June 20.

The opening is one of more than 70 events planned as part of the anniversary of work starting on the castle.

The garden was built by John Yorke II, who lived with his wife, Anne, in a 17th century mansion, which stood near the Green by the banks of the River Swale.

Their Richmond estate included the house, stables, now the car park on the Green, formal gardens, the walled kitchen garden, the Green Walk, Culloden Tower and Temple Grounds.

Mr Yorke family’s mansion was demolished in the early 19th century, and the walled garden was later used as a market garden.

In the 1980s it was planted with a variety of saplings that were to be grown on for sale, but many were left and are now mature.

The current owners, Dennis and Marcia McLuckie have restored and redesigned the garden, which now has shrubs, trees, lawns, herbaceous borders, roses, ponds, a stream and a vegetable garden.

Local artist, Judi Allinson, is setting up her easel to paint flowers and trees from life in the garden.

Judi said: “When I painted in Dennis and Marcia’s garden at the last open day, I enjoyed it very much.

“The guests were lovely to chat to and were really interested in what I was doing. I find the garden breath taking, and I am so looking forwards to painting in it again.”

Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden, in Cravengate, Richmond, DL10 4RE, is open from 1pm to 5.30pm.

Admission for adults is £5. Children under 16 are admitted free. Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding Celebrate Richmond 950

Homemade cakes and refreshments served by Richmond and Dales Soroptimists with profits to local charity, Just the Job.

There is no parking or drop-off at the garden. Visitors are asked to park in Newbiggin, the Market Place or car parks at Nuns Close and The Green.

The garden is on a hill. Main grass paths are accessible with a wheelchair, but they are quite steep.

For further information please email marcia@yorkshirecountryholidays.co.uk or call 01748 825525.