Barton Manor

Location, Area, Boundaries, Landform and Setting

Barton Manor is situated in an elevated position to the south of Osborne House, with views to the Solent over coastal woodland. Formerly part of the Royal Osborne Estate extending eastward to Kings Quay, the house was used as guest house and annexe to Osborne.

Gardens and Pleasure Grounds

The present gardens were designed by Prince Albert and extended by Edward VII, who built terraces and a walled kitchen garden (Winter 1984). Notable trees planted by Prince Albert include Cupressus Lambertiana on the lawn to the north of the house.

Additional works following the sale of the site in 1922 were noted in the following article:

In 1924 no less than 225,000 daffodils were planted around the lake... There is also a secret garden planted with azaleas and roses, impressive herbaceous borders and a productive vineyard [This was no longer in operation when the site was surveyed in 1999, but has since been revived]. In 1968 Hilliers laid out an intriguing water garden on what was originally Queen Victoria's skating rink. The NCCPG's National Collection of red hot pokers (kniphofia) and watsonia are kept here. The most recent addition to the estate is an original hedge maze [planted with Leylandii and created in about 1994].

(Good Gardens Guide 1996)

Maps

The site is featured on the following historic maps.

• Shown on map and occupier named (Andrews 1769). Shown on map (Worsley 1781).
• A survey of Barton (with attached plan) was made by Winchester College in 1776 and includes references to a 'Mansion House', and 'Pleasure grounds & Wilderness' (Winchester College Manuscript 21313).
• Ponds to the south of the house do not appear to be shown on the Ordnance Survey map of 1793.
• The site is shown as "Park" on the Ordnance Survey 6" map of 1909.