Rougemont Gardens
Encyclopedia
The Rougemont Gardens is an ornamental open space adjacent to the Rougemont Castle
in Exeter
, Devon
. The gardens are bounded by Northernhay Gardens
and the Exeter City Central Library.
The site was originally constructed as part of William the Conqueror's defences for Rougemont Castle
during the Norman Conquest of England
. When William ordered the construction of Rougemont Castle in 1068, the grounds were designed to include defensive ringwork
which characterises the shape of gardens today.
The area was laid out as a garden during the late 18th century by the occupiers of Rougemont House. Victorian writers referred to it as 'a perfect sylvan retreat'. In 1912, Exeter City Council
purchased the land and linked it to Northernhay Gardens
.
The gardens are used by the Northcott Theatre
to stage Shakespearean plays in the summer.
The gardens are currently maintained as a public open space by Exeter City Council
.
Rougemont Castle
Rougemont Castle is the historic castle of Exeter.The castle was first built in 1068 to help William the Conqueror maintain control over the city. It is perched on an ancient volcanic plug, overlaying remains of the Roman city of Isca Dumnoniorum...
in Exeter
Exeter
Exeter is a historic city in Devon, England. It lies within the ceremonial county of Devon, of which it is the county town as well as the home of Devon County Council. Currently the administrative area has the status of a non-metropolitan district, and is therefore under the administration of the...
, Devon
Devon
Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...
. The gardens are bounded by Northernhay Gardens
Northernhay Gardens
Northernhay Gardens are located in Exeter, Devon, England, on the northern side of Rougemont Castle. They are the oldest public open space in England, being originally laid out in 1612 as a pleasure walk for Exeter residents...
and the Exeter City Central Library.
The site was originally constructed as part of William the Conqueror's defences for Rougemont Castle
Rougemont Castle
Rougemont Castle is the historic castle of Exeter.The castle was first built in 1068 to help William the Conqueror maintain control over the city. It is perched on an ancient volcanic plug, overlaying remains of the Roman city of Isca Dumnoniorum...
during the Norman Conquest of England
Norman conquest of England
The Norman conquest of England began on 28 September 1066 with the invasion of England by William, Duke of Normandy. William became known as William the Conqueror after his victory at the Battle of Hastings on 14 October 1066, defeating King Harold II of England...
. When William ordered the construction of Rougemont Castle in 1068, the grounds were designed to include defensive ringwork
Ringwork
A ringwork is a form of fortified defensive structure, usually circular or oval in shape. Ringworks are essentially motte-and-bailey castles minus the motte...
which characterises the shape of gardens today.
The area was laid out as a garden during the late 18th century by the occupiers of Rougemont House. Victorian writers referred to it as 'a perfect sylvan retreat'. In 1912, Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council is the council and local government of the city of Exeter, Devon.The City Council provides a range of services within the city including housing, refuse collections and recycling, planning, economic development, tourism, leisure and arts facilities and activities...
purchased the land and linked it to Northernhay Gardens
Northernhay Gardens
Northernhay Gardens are located in Exeter, Devon, England, on the northern side of Rougemont Castle. They are the oldest public open space in England, being originally laid out in 1612 as a pleasure walk for Exeter residents...
.
The gardens are used by the Northcott Theatre
Northcott Theatre
The Northcott Theatre is a theatre situated on the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, England.-History:The Northcott is the seventh building in Exeter to be used as a theatre....
to stage Shakespearean plays in the summer.
The gardens are currently maintained as a public open space by Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council
Exeter City Council is the council and local government of the city of Exeter, Devon.The City Council provides a range of services within the city including housing, refuse collections and recycling, planning, economic development, tourism, leisure and arts facilities and activities...
.