Belton's Moondial walk
Inspired by Moondial, the much-loved children’s book by BAFTA award-winning author Helen Cresswell. Dogs on short leads welcome.
Following Minty's footsteps...
The story tells of a young girl who discovers that the sundial at the heart of Belton’s formal gardens, is in fact a magic portal to the past. The popularity of the book boomed when the BBC commissioned it for a children’s television series and radio play. Regarded as a nostalgic favourite by followers of 1980s children's drama, Moondial was filmed almost entirely on location at Belton House.
Map
Start:
The West Courtyard
1
Let your eyes wander over the courtyard to the wooden door in the corner. This used to be the entrance to the garden. What do you see? How does it make you feel? Now turn around and cross the courtyard, through the tall, decorative gates following the path across the front of the mansion and through the new garden entrance.
Following Minty's footsteps...
“Her gaze travelled right to the furthest corner. There was a door, slightly ajar. Minty approached. Cautiously she pushed it open… There was another door beyond, also open. She passed between the cold stone-smelling walls and gave that a push too. ‘The Garden!’”
2
As you pass through the gate into the garden turn left, making your way towards the north terrace of the mansion. Step onto the terrace and look out over the Dutch Garden. Has this garden been waiting for you?
Following Minty's footsteps...
“It lay quiet and faultless under the early sun. There were lawns, straight paths, yews and statues. Minty stepped onto the terrace and felt a thrill of recognition. She had never been here before, she knew, and yet had a strange knowledge that she was now stepping exactly where she was meant to step. This garden had been waiting for her.”
3
Make your way down the steps into the sunken garden. At the bottom turn around and look back at the house. Why might Minty think she was being watched?
Following Minty's footsteps...
“Now she went down the seven wide steps to the path that led to the centre of the garden. No sooner had she done so than she became aware of being watched. She turned. No one was there. She lifted her eyes to the house itself. The windows were blank.”
4
Walk on, taking steps that have already been measured for you. Lift your eyes to find ahead, at the crossroads of the garden, another statue. Can you feel the power in the air, so strong that Minty could hardly breathe? Why do you think the Gods of Time and Love are important to Moondial?
Following Minty's footsteps...
“…Minty stopped in front of the statue, with icy tides, washing her from head to foot. There were an old man and a young boy, both winged like angels, though she was certain they were not. They seemed to be wrestling, struggling for possession of a bowl above their heads and, catching a glimpse of a metal beak, Minty suddenly realised what it was. ‘A sundial!’ she exclaimed softly, and then almost immediately and without knowing why - ‘Moondial!’”
5
Continue your way down the garden path and turn left at the end towards the church. Find the churchyard gate to your right and look through. This 12th century parish church of St Peter and St Paul belongs to the Lincoln Diocese. What do you sense that signifies a mystery? What churchyard smells are in the air today?
Following Minty's footsteps...
“…There were only a few steps to take to the churchyard. There was a strong churchyard smell of grass and stones and nettles, mingled with the hot dry scent of yew. Then Minty, going on a little ahead, had her first sign that she was stepping on the edge of a mystery. A little icy gust blew about her. She was approaching the corner of the church. She stopped. Again she felt it passing over her face and bare arms. She shivered under the July sun. Looking up at the tower, she saw tiny gilt pennants, hardly bigger than leaves, glinting and quivering. In a wind they would spin, she thought, like weathercocks. But they did not spin. They stood motionless, while Minty stood and gazed, her skin brushed with ice.”
6
Make your way to the Orangery which houses Belton’s collection of lush foliage and exotic blooms. Located at the top of the Italian Garden, Sir Jeffry Wyatville designed the Orangery with glass walls and stone pillars to create an illusion. What classic Roman structure do you think Sir Jeffry was inspired by?
Following Minty's footsteps...
“‘The orangery!' whispered Minty, but even as she spoke could not believe that Sarah was making for that place of reflecting glass. ‘After her!’ whispered Tom. They followed, keeping their distance, slipping from shadow to shadow.
7
Look out over the Italian Garden to spot the watery pool of reflecting glass. Walk towards the water fountain and sit quietly on its edge. What song reflects your feelings at this special place?
Following Minty's footsteps...
‘Poor Mary sits a-weeping, a-weeping. Poor Mary sits a-weeping on a bright summer’s day.’… As the song ended the figure stopped. There before her, paces away, was the circular pool. And now, Minty saw, it was filled with water. It lay perfectly calm, smooth as polished silver, smooth as a mirror.‘One more time I’ll try,’ they heard the child say. ‘The magic night of all the year… Hallowe’en!’”
End:
The Italian Garden
