62 TUDOR HOUSES IN DORSET. 



At Woodsford, in the beacon tower, is the original sink, 

 in the thickness of the wall; and adjoining, but walled off, 

 is a latrine. (Hutchins' Dorset, Vol. I. p. 453). 



In 1542 it was laid down that the filth from the kitchen was 

 not to descend to the moat, which was to be kept clean by a 

 spring being conducted to it. 



The provision of a good water supply being of the first 

 importance, a well was always sunk in every house, the water 

 being drawn up by the usual windlass and rope. Where a 

 good spring was within reach, tree pipes were often laid down 

 to conduct the water to the house. 



GARDENS. 



The Tudor gardens were treated as part of the design for 

 the house, the two harmoniously blending and producing a 

 homogeneous result. Very few perfect examples remain, the 

 eighteenth century craze for landscape gardening having swept 

 away the old enclosures. 



A house court or fore court formed the approach to the 

 front door ; a balustraded terrace occupied another side, 

 overlooking the pleasure garden; and the vegetable, herb and 

 fruit gardens were walled in on the remaining sides. 



The flower garden was of very simple design, usually 

 divided into four main plots, subdivided into smaller knots and 

 squares often railed with low trellis work. If water were 

 available, central fountains would be introduced ; and a 

 banqueting or garden house or gazebo was a constant feature. 

 Columns and pyramids, pergolas, arbours, pavilions, sun dials, 

 seats, statuary and tanks were the usual accessories. There 

 might be also a maze or labyrinth, a mount and bowling green. 

 Pleached trees formed shaded alleys ; and shrubs were clipped 

 into fantastic shapes, known as topiary work. 



A great deal of woodwork was utilised for trellis and other 

 structures, which of course did not last many years. 



At some ancient manor houses the sites of such gardens may 

 still be traced, by means of the old walls and yew hedges; 



