Root house van Wrest Park

GETIPT
Rustic Retreats: Grottos and Hermitages in the 18th Century Garden
13th July 2017. 10:00am – 5:00pm
Wrest Park, Bedfordshire

A day conference exploring the fascinating world of grottos, hermitages and root houses. These intriguing buildings, though often overlooked, offer insights into the interface between literature, antiquarianism, mysticism and garden design in the 18th century. Papers will be exploring their origins, popularisation and decline; the cultural, horticultural and aesthetic context in which they were created, and recent efforts to survey and restore them.
The conference is being held at Wrest Park with an opportunity to visit the fabulous gardens, including the picturesque Bath House and Mithraic Glade, with its altar and the site of a root house.
Confirmed speakers include Brian Dix (garden archaeologist), Prof. Gordon Campbell (author of The Hermit in the Garden), Katherine Myers, Dr Judy Preston, Hazelle Jackson, Diana Reynell and Daniëlle Westerhof.
Tickets: £20 (including lunch and refreshments)
To book tickets please call our dedicated sales team on 0370 333 1183 (Mon-Fri 8.30am – 5.30pm, Sat 9am – 5pm)
For more information and a full programme contact: andrew.hann@english-heritage.org.uk or emily.parker@english-heritage.org.uk