RESEARCH
The Research Group provides a focus for EGT members who wish to be actively involved in researching any aspect of garden history, or landscape design. No previous experience in research is needed; the group is very supportive to newcomers who are curious to find out more about this fascinating subject.
The group meets on the third Monday of the month from 6pm until 7pm ~ usually in a meeting room at the Essex Record Office, Wharf Road, Chelmsford ~ with an informal discussion or presentation on a relevant topic by a member of the group. Occasionally we invite an expert guest speaker. During the summer months, visits and outdoor skill sharing meetings on a variety of aspects of site research are often held.
It is important that research should be published to stimulate and inform others, and individual articles may be published in the EGT Newsletter. The Group also works on collaborative research projects and is currently working on historic parks and gardens in the Chelmsford District.
The Research Group offers opportunities for individual study of garden-related subjects, or for joining a team researching the historic parks and gardens of Essex to compile a complementary list to the English Heritage Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Details of the collaborative publications which have been produced by the Group may be found on the Publications page of this web-site.
New members can be assured of a warm welcome. For details of the next meeting, or to be put on the e-mail list for a monthly update, please contact the Group Coordinator at Research.
We always welcome new volunteers to get involved with the Chelmsford gazeteer and on planning a new publication.
Essex Gardens Trust Projects and Publications
A list of the projects and publications undertaken by Researchers since the Trust’s inceptionis given below.
Date |
Project/Publication |
Description |
2000 |
Publication |
Repton in Essex A gazetteer of 40 sites in Essex associated with Humphry Repton. This publication includes the history of the sites and their families and is illustrated with contemporary pictorial evidence. Illustrations from the six surviving Essex Red Books are also included. |
2002 |
Project |
Historic Designed Landscapes of Essex Part 1 - Braintree District An inventory of the designed landscapes in the Braintree District identified as being of Local Importance, also including those sites on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England in the Braintree District. |
2003 |
Publication |
Historic Designed Landscapes Planning and conservation guidance. A core document which identifies and explains types of historic landscape together with related vulnerability and key conservation issues and brief outlines of good conservation practice. Copies still available |
2005 |
Publication |
Paper Landscapes Archive based studies on historic gardens and landscapes in Essex. A series of studies on archive-based projects, focussing on the archives themselves, rather than approaching them purely as aids to understanding specific sites. |
2006 |
Project |
Historic Designed Landscapes of Essex Part II - Epping Forest District An inventory of the designed landscapes in the Epping Forest District identified as being of Local Importance, also including those sites on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England in the Epping Forest District. |
2006 |
Publication |
Rooted in Essex A gazetteer of designers, nurserymen, writers and artists associated with the historic gardens of Essex. The gazetteer concentrates on individuals who were not only substantially based in Essex but were also professionally involved with our historic gardens. Famous landscape designers included are Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown, Humphry Repton, the William Nesfields (junior and senior), Philip Southcote and Percy Cane. |
2008 |
Project |
Historic Designed Landscapes of Essex Part III – Uttlesford District An inventory of the designed landscapes in the Uttlesford District identified as being of Local Importance, also including those sites on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England in the Uttlesford District. |
2010 |
Publication |
The Living Landscape Animals in Parks and Gardens of Essex. A wealth of rarely published information, providing a fascinating and comprehensive insight into the role of animals in the designed landscape. From bee boles to deer parks, fishponds to menageries, aviaries, dovecotes, warrens and stables, a captivating picture of a vibrant and moving landscape unfolds as we are invited to peer over the garden wall. |
2010 |
Project |
Historic Designed Landscapes of Essex Part IV – Maldon District An inventory of the designed landscapes in the Maldon District identified as being of Local Importance, also including those sites on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England in the Maldon District. |
2012 |
Project - ongoing |
Historic Designed Landscapes of Essex An inventory of the designed landscapes in the City of Chelmsford identified as being of Local Importance, also including those sites on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in England in the City of Chelmsford |
