May 24 2005
An historic walled garden in the centre of St Albans, Hertfordshire, once tended by medieval monks, has reopened to the public following a £450,000 restoration.
The former vineyard to the monastic Abbey, close to St Albans Cathedral and the city centre, has been enhanced with the use of traditional materials for the pathways, and the repair of the historic 18th century walls.
New herb and flower planting within Vintry Garden, inspired by the original monastic gardens, is one of the highlights of the refurbishment programme. The garden has just been officially reopened (May 12) by the Very Revd Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans Cathedral Abbey Church.
Extensive improvements to the near by North Churchyard and Romeland Garden were also part of the scheme.
Accessibility for people with disabilities has been a major theme of the programme with ramped access points to the Vintry Garden and North Churchyard from Waxhouse Gate and into the Cathedral at the West Front.
The works have involved:
Resurfacing of paths using York Stone, including Vintry
Garden and the West front
New seating and other furniture
Installation of steps and ramps
New planting
Repair of historic walls and replanting.
New memorial stone - in memory of the pupils who died in the 1985 Ledignan coach crash.
The work was made possible by a £295,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £95,000 from St Albans City & District Council and donations from individual sponsors.
Cllr Jenny Stroud, portfolio holder for planning, says: "It has been a long wait but we are delighted that the efforts of many partners have improved the appearance and accessibility of this important part of our ancient City. I hope many people will enjoy visiting the refurbished Vintry Garden, which is the final piece in this extensive renovation project. "