Introduction
Clifton Maybank is a complex site dating from the 16th century. After decline in the 18th century the buildings became a working farm, but were then restored in the late 19th century. Features survive from the 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. There is also archaeological evidence of the pre-1650 landscape.
- History
Clifton Maybank is a complex site dating from the 16th century, which may include traces of an earlier medieval landscape. The house was grand, but declined in the second half of the 18th century. Significant features were demolished, sold and re-erected elsewhere. These included the north front at Montacute and the gate house at Hinton St. George, Somerset.
In the 19th century the remaining buildings became a working farm and parts of the estate were sold for railway development. The house and grounds were restored in the late 19th century. The gardens reflect this history. They include a 16th or 17th century bowling green with a raised walk. There are also the remnants of 18th century avenues and an early 18th century garden pavilion or gazebo. There are 19th century water works for the generation of power and Edwardian garden features, including a small Dutch garden.
Period
- Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
- Tudor (1485-1603)
- Features & Designations
Features
- Bowling Green
- Description: There is a 16th or 17th century bowling green with a raised walk.
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- Walk
- Description: The raised walk is associated with the bowling green.
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- Tree Avenue
- Description: There are the remains of 18th century avenues.
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- Pavilion
- Description: There is an early 18th century garden pavilion or gazebo.
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- Water Works
- Description: There are 19th century water works for the generation of power.
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- Planting
- Description: There are Edwardian garden features, including a small Dutch garden.
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- Key Information
Type
Estate
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
Post Medieval (1540 to 1901)
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Sherborne
- References
References
- Mowl, Timothy {Historic Gardens of Dorset} (Stroud: Tempus, 2003) 41, 50, 107 Historic Gardens of Dorset
- Oswald, A. {Country Houses of Dorset} (1935) 75 Country Houses of Dorset