The Medieval Bishops Palace, Lincoln
A project winning scheme from 2001; the seventh and final location chosen by English Heritage for their “Contemporary Gardens Competition” - an initiative by EH to showcase the best of UK modern garden design within ancient and historical properties.
Located on an elevated medieval terrace overlooking historic Lincoln and set within the ancient ruins of the The Bishops Palace, our concept was to create a strongly geometric design based on the 12th century Norman vaulted ceiling of Lincoln Cathedral. The result was a visually striking layout of narrow brick paths, interconnecting with reflective metal tree-grilles. The resulting design was both modern, abstract and historically resonant.
The garden terrace is accessed through the medieval ruins of ancient Bishops Palace, with spectacular views over the garden and city below.
The garden is accessed through the Great Medieval Hall, via a new timber viewing platform.
“It is rare for a designer to have the chance of using a thoroughly contemporary approach to enhance our appreciation of a familiar and much loved assemblage of ancient buildings. In achieving precisely that, Mark Anthony Walker has provided an abject lesson in what the Contemporary Gardens Scheme is setting out to do”
Critique of The New Terrace Garden at The Medieval Bishops Palace, Lincoln
Michael Leapman in Heritage Today 2003
A symbolic Christian “Labyrinth” maze design is etched into a empty metal boss.
The original EH competition pack; there were with over forty entrants!
The Hornbeam trees have grown a little since construction in 2001!
The official garden opening in 2001
The bricks rills are much loved by children!