Parkland at Hampden House
Location/Address
None recorded
Type
Description
Eighteenth century park and gardens at Hampden House, retaining elements of formal layout.
Landscape retaining elements of formal layout c.1740's. Woodland to the north and a lime avenue to the south east (partially replanted). "The Glade", an avenue through woodland extending to the east for 2km, terminating in octagonal lodges called "The Pepper Boxes" (Grade II). Mound to the south of the house may be possible prospect mound (CAS 0012). Numerous parkland trees. Historical asscociations with John Hampden (B12).
Conservation Area designated in 1992 (B13).
A medieval Chiltern manor house, extended and remodelled as a country house in the C16, and again in the 1740s in an early example of Gothick style, considerably predating Horace Walpole’s extensive and influential use of it at Strawberry Hill from 1749. Hampden House also predates the use of Gothick elsewhere in Bucks including at Fawley Court (c.1730), West Wycombe (1750s-70s), Medmenham (1750s) and Nether Winchendon (c.1800).
The C18 formal and informal gardens and park overlie a medieval park and woodland with little alteration since then. The layout incorporates C16 and later avenues and vistas embracing the extensive rolling setting, including the impressive 1.5km long Glade, a ride initiated it is believed in 1562 for the visit of Queen Elizabeth in 1563. The designed landscape is one of the more important of its type in Bucks, carried out in successive phases for a family of ancient connection here, and is likely of national significance. The C18 layout survives with minor changes in the C19 and early C20. See report for detail (B14).
Statement of Significance
Asset type
Eighteenth century park and gardens at Hampden House, retaining elements of formal layout.
Date Listed
n/a