THE 



GARDENER'S MAGAZINE, 



JULY, 1840. 



ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. 



Art. I. Notes on some Country Seats and Gardens in Lincolnshire, 

 Staffordshire, and Middlesex, visited in May, 1840. By the Con- 

 ductor. 



Harlaxton Manor. — May 20. We had heard much of this 

 place from various architects and amateurs for several years ; 

 and an accidental circumstance having brought us in communi- 

 cation with its proprietor, Gregory Gregory, Esq., that gentleman 

 kindly acceded to our wish to see the works going forward on 

 the new site chosen by him for the family residence. Mr. 

 Gregory resides at Hungerton Hall, about five miles from 

 Grantham, and his building and gardening operations are carry- 

 ing on in a striking situation on the side of a hill, between 

 Hungerton and Grantham, near the ancient village of Harlaxton, 

 as well as in that village. The improvements consist of the 

 erection of a large mansion in the style of James I., the laying 

 out of gardens around it in the geometric style, and the pictu- 

 resque decoration of the village. As Mr. Gregory superintends 

 every part of these improvements very much himself, both as 

 respects the design and detail, he has been obliged to confine 

 the admission to these works, during their progress, to his own 

 immediate acquaintance ; both for the comfort of his own privacy, 

 and on account of the disadvantages that would arise from the 

 interruption of successive visiters. 



The parish of Harlaxton would appear to have been the 

 residence of wealthy persons at a very early period. Had there 

 been no other circumstances to prove this, that of an ancient 

 manorial dwelling, called the Manor House, now existing in the 

 village in a stale of great dilapidation, although partially in- 

 habited by persons placed there to take care of it, would have 

 been sufficient. It seems to have been a part of a mass of 

 property in this neighbourhood which has frequently been a 

 portion of the jointures of queens of England ; and the great 

 natural fertility of the lands around this old mansion, with 

 copious springs of water under its foundations, are additional 

 attestations of its early selection as an abode for persons of 

 wealth. 



1840. July. z 



