Seventeenth-century Water Gardens and the Birth of Modern Scientific thought in Oxford: The Case of Hanwell Castle

This book explores the Copes of Hanwell Castle in north Oxfordshire and the creation of a garden with links to the development of scientific thinking in Oxford in the late seventeenth century. New research using Robert Plots Natural History of Oxfordshire has uncovered details of a remarkable family, their social circle, and their garden that became a place dedicated to the wonders of technology. The book also chronicles the archaeological excavation that has uncovered several unusual garden features and a unique collection of seventeenth-century terracotta garden urns, which are unparalleled in post-medieval archaeology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 28 September 2022
Publisher: Oxbow Books

This captivating book delves into the rich history of the Copes of Hanwell Castle in north Oxfordshire, shedding light on the creation of a remarkable garden with profound connections to the evolution of scientific thinking in Oxford during the late seventeenth century. Through a decade of meticulous archaeological investigation and thorough historical research, the author unveils the captivating story of a remarkable family and their ascent to fame, followed by a tragic downfall. The social circle of this family included some of the most influential figures in the development of early scientific thinking, making their garden a true testament to the wonders of technology.

The intricate narrative intertwines the actions of a royalist agent named Richard Allestree, a virtuoso musician named Thomas Baltzar, John Claridge, a Hanwell Shepherd renowned for his expertise in weather forecasting, and Sir Anthony Cope. In a backdrop of secrecy and suspicion, Cope initiated the gathering of a community that Plot later referred to as "The New Atlantis." This name alludes to a book published earlier in the century by Sir Francis Bacon, titled "The New Atlantis," which proposed a visionary model for a utopian society focused on scientific advancement.

The book also provides a detailed account of the archaeological excavation program that has unearthed several unique garden features, notably a remarkable collection of seventeenth-century terracotta garden urns. These urns, unparalleled in post-medieval archaeology, were destroyed in a single act of vandalism around 1675 and have been preserved in deeply buried deposits of mud and silt. Through meticulous analysis and reconstruction, these urns are shedding new light on the decorative schemes of seventeenth-century gardens, offering valuable insights into the artistic traditions of that era.

In addition to exploring the Copes' garden, the book also provides a comprehensive examination of other gardens of the period and their surviving features. It delves into the architectural designs, botanical specimens, and social significance of these gardens, providing a broader understanding of the cultural and botanical landscape of the seventeenth century.

Overall, this captivating book offers a profound exploration of the Copes of Hanwell Castle, their remarkable garden, and their connections to the development of scientific thinking in Oxford. Through meticulous research and detailed storytelling, the author has brought to life a rich tapestry of history that will captivate readers and scholars alike.

Dimension: 246 x 185 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914427169