Introduction
Mere House was originally a late-18th century informal park and lake associated with the rectory created in 1780. The site now includes a Victorian (1837-1901) garden. There is a further garden and many trees planted from 1958. Features include several specimen trees various walks and a nut platt. Much of the site remains unchanged to the north and west of the house.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Access contact details
The site is open throughout the year by appointment, as well as several open days for the NGS and other charities.
- History
Period
- 18th Century (1701 to 1800)
- Late 18th Century (1767 to 1800)
- Features & Designations
Features
- Specimen Tree
- Walk
- Lake
- Rectory (featured building)
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Lawn
- Description: Extensive lawns.
- Earthwork
- Description: There is a large perimeter bund on the southern and western edges of the park. The bund measures 400 metres x 80 metres x 2.5 to 8 metres high. It was created to reduce road noise, and is now planted with trees. It is thought to be the largest private earthwork in Kent.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Garden
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
18th Century (1701 to 1800)
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Mereworth
- References
References
- Volume VIII, 1808 The Beauties of England and Wales
- Volume VIII, 1829 A New and Complete History of the County of Kent
- Volume I, Kent, 1838 An Epitome of County History
- 1937 A Boy in Kent
- A Biographical Dictionary of British Architects 1600-1840
Contributors
Andrew Wells