It’s 300 yards long too, so one can only imagine how much time and effort it takes to keep this yew hedge looking so fine. It surrounds the grounds of Brampton Bryan Hall, and its next-door predecessor, the ruined Brampton Bryan Castle. It and the whole village are remnants of the feudal past, the manorial Harley family having been in continuous residence here for 700 years. I have not been able to find out when the form of this hedge was first conceived, or who thought of doing it. Or, indeed, who has the job of trimming it.
The village is in Herefordshire, but close to the borders of Wales and Shropshire. There is mention of a castle here in Domesday (1086) and of building work in the 13th century. Doubtless it played its part during the Norman domination of Britain. Four centuries later, during the Civil War it was subjected to two sieges by Royalist forces.
During the first attack of 1642 that lasted several weeks, the castle was held for the Roundhead cause by Lady Brilliana Harley (there’s a name to conjure with) along with a band of locals and 50 soldiers. Her husband, Sir Robert, statesman and member of the Long Parliament which sat throughout both Civil War periods, had left her ‘to man the fort’ while he was in London attending to parliamentary business.
There was something of a truce during 1643, but by this time Brilliana was ailing and she died of pneumonia in October 1643. In the following spring there was a second siege. This time the Royalist forces arrived with mines and more powerful artillery, and so had their way. The castle was sacked and burned, the three Harley children taken off to be imprisoned in Shrewsbury. But not long afterwards the Royalist cause was lost, and Sir Robert was paid the equivalent of £1 million in compensation for the destruction of his home.
Looking around the peaceful little village today, and at that apparently all-enduring hedge, it is hard to envisage the place as a battle ground. These days we have entered the Age of Quaint & Picturesque. Which reminds me, the hall grounds were used in scenes from the Merchant Ivory film of E M Forster’s Howard’s End.
The parish church stands in front of the castle gatehouse, and my photo of the latter was taken looking over the churchyard wall. Built in the 1660s, it is one of only six churches built in England during the Commonwealth period. Timbers from the castle’s great hall were re-purposed here.
Tish Farrell 
this is amazing
It’s always a surprise when you drive past it.
I have passed through here many times, Tish and the hedge is amazing. I always ponder how they keep it so beautiful.
I think this kind of hedging is usually maintained with lots and lots of very small snips. V. laborious.
Yes, it must be a full time occupation. It must be a momentous task just to reach the top of it.
I wonder how they actually do that. Have visions of the gardeners being dangled from a cherry picker.
And no one will own up to who is keeping it. Must be a lot of work to be so well done.
Definitely lots of work.
Lovely, reminds me of the 99 topiary yew trees in Painswick Church Yard.
have just popped to look at same. It seems they have now planted the 100th despite devilish prognostications of what would happen if anyone did. Amazing trees, yews.
It’s beautiful, but I’m glad it’s not mine. Lotta work.
Fantastic! But surely someone must be trimming it in daylight – or haven’t anyone ever seen this ghost trimmer…?
What a marvellous hedge!
All I can say is wow!
it is wow-worthy, isn’t it 🙂
That is beautiful. Like melting chocolate.
That’s a yummy image, Ali 🙂
Just amazing….thanks!
🙂
Never been there. But then, there are a lot of places I have never seen in the UK!
Well it’s not very near Chester or your other past haunts 🙂
Extraordinary! It looks like moss on stones. I’m not really a fan of topiary, but I rather like the simple, organic shape of this.
With all the textures and light and shade it’s perhaps preferable to a tall straight yew hedge.
I think you’re right.
Isn’t it a wonderful piece of whimsy? I expect Alice to come sauntering round the corner. 🙂 🙂
I would not be at all surprised, Jo, if she put in an appearance. It is a very curiouser and curiouser sort of place.
Wow!!! And I find my 4 small shrubs I keep trimmed as round balls are constantly needing trimming, my mind boggles at the time that hedge would take
It is pretty extraordinary, isn’t it.
Yes 😊
The hedge looks like something straight out of Hobbiton. How do they decide how to clip it? You do live in an amazing place. Kind of miraculous.
I think its something to do with borderlands. They attract all sorts of notions and creations. As to clipping, I think it’s maybe just a matter of cutting off any sprouting bits, which sounds a bit obvious but a v. pernickety job..
Stunning! Hard to believe it is real.
Absolutely gorgeous scenery. But it truly reminds me of many Midsommer Murders I’ve watched. It’s the kind of tranquil setting that calls out for some heinous death to spice things up and a gallant, misunderstood detective to puzzle clues out until the culprit is caught.
You are absolutely right. That’s just what it needs 🙂 🙂 🙂
What a wonderful place. I felt like I was stepping back in time when I looked at your photos and read the history. It is hard to imagine such a peaceful place was once a battlefield.
It is definitely a slumbering sort of place these days. At least that’s how it seems whenever we pass by, which admittedly is often. Most of the cottages belong to the Harley estate and have sky blue front doors and window frames.
Another world to the hurly burly of contemporary life!
Fascinating history, a fabulous name and a beautiful hedge. Wonderful Tish, thank you.
I wonder if the shape was first formed by frost damage. I’m sure I read of a similar hedge that’s shape was first created by the weather and the family liked it so much they kept it growing that way. Could beautiful garden myth though!
That’s an very interesting notion, Becky. There’s a similar creation along the terraces at Powys Castle. That hedge is 330 years old!
Oh wow, now that is old! Incredible.
Ah I found details on the one I was thinking of – Audley End in Saffron Walden. Apparently they were unable to prune it for years and during this period heavy snowfall damaged many sections. When they had the resources to prune again they had to be innovative because of the damage caused by the snow breakages and the random extensive growth. And the weird cloud like shapes were the result. So wasn’t frost but weather did play a part!
Have just googled it. Now that is one very strange hedge, but hats off for creative reclamation.
I have driven through this village a few times, but do not recollect the hedge! I suppose my mind was on the road, which as the driver, I suppose it should be. I’m now wondering whether my OH is related to this branch of the Harleys! We have a running joke that we own the village of Harley and also the Harley stone in the Quarry. Seems to have been a few of them about 🙂
Oh that’s an intriguing thought, Jude – a Harley connection.
What a lovely hedge.
The history of the place is very interesting, and that hedge is magnificent!
Alison
🙂
What a fabulous hedge and interesting history! Can’t wait to stay in front of this beauty, This. Brampton Bryan and Aardvark Books are on our map, thank you! 🙂
You are most welcome, Dina 🙂
This place is so so beautiful! Its actually the kind of place I’ve always loved, I think I love this place…i wanna visit it one day!
Glad you liked this post.
Its a pleasure !!!
awww lovely to revisit it here too 🙂