In 2000 we began re-planting the orchard at Lyveden, taking inspiration from contemporary records and Tresham's letters to his workmen. We can see from these letters that Tresham planned to include apples, pears and damsons as well as a 'walk' of cherries and walnuts.
The orchard now features over 300 trees of 19 different varieties planted in formal avenues. Some of the species, such as the Winter Queening apple, were listed in Tresham's letters. Others were recorded locally in the early sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
The Tudor orchard: pleasure and profit
Orchards were the height of fashion in Tudor garden design. An orchard was the ideal setting for walks, picnics and relaxation, and money could be made from the bountiful supply of fruit.
