IO2 



ENGLISH PLEASURE GARDENS 



New sites 

 for dwell- 



occupants of the massive feudal strongholds. The 

 spirit of feudalism had died out before the close of 

 the fifteenth century; its form also gradually dis- 

 appeared. Castles were first disused and then disman- 

 tled as they ceased to fulfil the altered requirements. 

 In 1540, when John Leland was sent by Henry VIII 

 on a tour of inspection, he reported that most of 

 these ancient fortresses were running to decay, and 

 barely mentioned in connection with them any sem- 

 blance of a pleasaunce. 



The sites of the new dwellings were not chosen like 

 those of the castles, on account of their inaccessibility. 

 It was no longer essential to consider strength before 



A TUDOR MANOR HOUSE: EYAM HALL DERBYSHIRE 



convenience. Now, instead of seeking a defensible 

 position, people preferred situations that were pleasant 

 and salubrious, where they might live protected from 

 the cold winds, and where gardens and orchards might 



