DRIVES, AVENUES, AND SERVICE ROADS. 



though in this case again one feels that the avenues are a little meaningless without 

 the incorporation of suitable architectural features to focus the vista, and also that 

 pollarding should not be resorted to except where it is a more or less prominent local 

 characteristic. 



Pleached avenues are very useful where a formal arrangement of their surroundings Symmetnc- 

 is in evidence, but where the scale of the whole lay-out is not important enough for a ^V 

 the towering elm avenue. They are most successfully formed of elms or beech and the P ianne "' 

 best example familiar to Londoners is probably at Romney Road, Greenwich, where it 

 passes between the Royal Naval College and the Royal Hospital School. 



Green avenues which do not form part of the main approach to the mansion but 



drives. 



THE GARDENS AT 

 ATHELHAMPTON . HALL 

 DORCHESTER w~ 



PLAN SHEWING 

 PROPOSED 

 ALTERATION TO 



FIG. 86. 



are designed solely as a feature of the pleasure grounds or home park, are dealt with 

 in another chapter. 



The symmetrically planned drive shares with the avenue its particular adaptability 

 to a position where grandeur is essential. The drive and entrance at Athelhampton 

 Hall (111. No. 86), already referred to, may be taken as a typical instance of this type 

 of drive which has worked out well in practice, and produced a result which is dignified 

 and thoroughly in keeping with the beautiful old architecture up to which it leads. As is 

 particularly necessary in this class of drive, the gate-houses were designed by the late 

 Mr. Dan Gibson in a style exactly to harmonise with that of the old residence, with 

 an arch over the gateway and massive doors, the stables also being rearranged to suit 

 their altered surroundings. In this case the surface of the drive is level, and this is 



73 



