Every month we feature two blogs written by volunteers, one describes an object in the Palace and one a plant from the Garden. It is a great way for us all to learn more about the Palace, if you would like to contribute there is no set format so please do send us your ideas!
Wednesday 2nd September 1687
Up betimes and after breakfast by water, the day being mightily pleasant and the tide serving finely - I up as far as His Grace Bishop Compton's Palace at Fulenham. His Grace being away from home, I was received by his Head Gardener Mistress Hart - whose knowledge of matters pertaining to the horitcultural arts exceedeth that of anyone in this realm. And Mistress Hart shewed me some of the specimens growing and flourishing there that have lately been sent back from our American possessions and I did marvel to see the Magnolia bush and the great tree, aptly named the Black Walnut.
There was introduced, and provided for my inspection, other members of the garden workforce (all arrayed neatly in a line outside the entrance way to the Walled Garden constructed by the late Bishop Fitzjames during his time) - Master Christopher R and Master Christopher A, together with the 3 prentices - one of whom hath travelled hither from Alpine lands - so great is the reputation of Fulenham Palace in all matters pertaining to horticulture.
From thence, into the Walled Garden and in particular the hothouse known as "The Vinery" where I was pleased to see the quickening of the tomata plant and other exotiques from the West Indies - I did bite into a chilli plant which caused me such a storm of perspiration that perforce I was obliged to remove my perruque !
To the rear of The Vinery is the area called, I believe, "The Bothy" - there were gathered together a group of ragamuffins and other poor labourers from neighbouring parishes - yclept by Mistress Hart "The Volunteers". They were all engaged in the drinking of Tee. In return for a day's labour, these poor souls are not only rewarded with Tee but also the dark and mysterious beverage "Caffee" and, on red letter days, with sweetmeats from His Grace's kitchen - in particular the delicacy known in the common parlance as "Fig Roll".
And so to the Ferry Steps and took boat again; and so home and there to write down my Journall; and after supper to bed, mightily pleased with my Botanique Day.
S.P.
Jamie Atwell, Garden Volunteer
Please send your ideas for Object / Specimen of the Month blogs to rachel.bray@fulhampalace.org If you would like some help, let us know.