The site of Buckden Towers boasts a long and rich history spanning over 900 years!  Home to the Claretian Missionaries - the current owners of the complex. The site operates as the location of the Catholic Parish Church in Buckden, and as a residential centre for religious studies. It is consequently an active and occupied place of religious worship and study. The Friends of Buckden Towers support the owners in the conservation of the historic buildings and gardens and have recently completed a project to construct a paved footpath through an ornamental garden (the Knot Garden), which is otherwise surfaced in its pedestrian areas in loose gravel. The object was to improve accessibility for users of wheelchairs and pushchairs in order to enable a wider enjoyment of the garden. Our Petworth paving was chosen for this historic site development.

Interesting points in Buckden Towers history:

The only ancient coins found during the excavations are a Roman one of Tetricus I, under the Great Tower, two silver pieces of Edward III, on the moat wall, and a French jetton of the 15th century. Some Roman tiling was found near the Great Hall and part of a human jaw and some more tiling in the Great Tower.

The body of St. Hugh rested here for one night while being carried from London to Lincoln Cathedral for burial.

Bishop Robert Grossetete who enlarged the Great Hall and was often in residence died here in 1253.

Katherine of Aragon was "lodged" here from July 1533 to May 1534. 

The Knot Garden

The walled Garden below the Great Tower is a replica Knot garden, typical of a Tudor manor house and started in 1992. The main features of the garden are four square beds of Knots around a central fountain, which is covered in winter by a mosaic with a pomegranate design, together with two smaller Knots in front of the raised stone terrace. Friends of Buckden Towers wanted to make this area accessible for wheelchairs by adding paving to create a stable footpath.

The object of the paving was to provide a wheelchair-accessible path through the Knot Garden, where existing footpaths were gravel and difficult for wheelchair access. We chose Petworth slabs as their colour and texture suited the historical environment of the garden within this Grade 1 listed National Monument, and they were affordable within our budget.

Friends of Buckden Towers

Petworth Paving

Our National Trust Petworth Paving was chosen to fit in with the Grade 1 Scheduled Monument. National Trust Petworth Flagstones are part of the Country House range, an ideal choice for traditional gardens, both formal and informal. The warm olive and subtle grey tones of these Stonecast flags complement brick, flint and stone properties alike. Part of the National Trust Country House Range, inspired by the grandeur and formality of the nation’s fine stately homes.

Buckden Towers' commitment to preserving its rich heritage extends to ensuring accessibility for all visitors. The Friends of Buckden Towers' thoughtful project to create a wheelchair-accessible path through the Knot Garden exemplifies this beautifully. The use of Petworth Paving provided a perfect solution – complementing the historic setting with its warm tones and classic design, while offering the necessary functionality and durability. If you are considering a similar project for a historical landmark then our National Trust Petworth Paving from Westminster Stone offers a perfect blend of aesthetics, functionality, and enduring quality. Explore our National Trust Collection to discover the ideal paving solution for your next historical renovation project.

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National Trust Petworth Flagstones, part of the Country House range, are the ideal choice for traditional gardens, both formal and informal and as paving for a historic site.

These National Trust Petworth Flagstones are part of the National Trust Country House Range inspired by the grandeur and formality of the nation’s fine stately homes.

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About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'