39 



. I iicnces resulted to the Athenians after their triumph over the 

 Persians ; to the Romans after Carthago had fallen beneath their 

 arms ; and such also resulted to tlie Saxons and Danes in their 

 successive conquests of Britain. The Normans were about our 

 equals in civilization, when William acquired the throne of our 

 Island. 



At the time of the arrival of the Normans, Gardens were jre- 

 nerally in the possession of the laity, as well as of the ecclesi- 

 astics. Even Gardens for the growth of Vegetables to supply 

 the public demand were then in existence. Eight Cotarii and 

 their Gardens are enumerated in the Manor of Fulham, in Mid- 

 dlesex, a village it is worthy of remark still celebrated for its 

 Market Gardens. Private houses with their Gardens are in 

 like manner recorded.* In fact there is no reason to doubt 

 that at this period every house from the palace to the cottage, 

 was possessed of a Garden of some size. 



From the writings of William of Malmsbury, who died in 

 1143, we learn that Vineyards and Orchards were possessed 

 by the Barons as well as the Monks. He remarks that the 

 Grapes of the vale of Gloucester furnished the best Wine. 

 Next in superiority were those in the isle of Ely. Robert of 

 Gloucester also informs us that Worcester was celebrated for 

 its fruit, probably Apples. 



Brithnod, the first Abbot of Ely, A. D. 1107. was cele- 

 brated for his skill in Horticulture. " He performed another 

 great and useful work, says the Historian of the Monastery, 

 being skilful in the art of planting and gardening, he laid out 

 very extensive Gardens and Orchards, which he tilled with a 

 great variety of herbs, shrubs, and fruit trees. In a few years 

 these appeared at a distance like a wood, loaded with the most 

 excellent fruits in great abundance, adding much to the commo- 



* Domesday Book. p. I'iT. 



