The Master’s Garden

Discover the 500-year-old gardens of the Lord Leycester that were cultivated during the time of the Guilds. Bounded by the original medieval town walls, the Tudor gardens feature a Norman arch, a 2000-year-old Egyptian Nilometer, thatched summer house, greenhouse, gazebo and a Victorian pineapple pit where the Brethren used to grow pineapples to sell to the wealthy.

When Robert Dudley moved into the Guild buildings in 1571, he viewed the gardens and said “let these remain as greensward”, intending for the gardens to remain for growing fruit and vegetables and for the recreation of Master and Brethren. Each Brother was given a strip of land to grow his own produce to take to the kitchen for the cook to throw in the pot! Enjoy the gardens just as the Master and Brethren would have done, with plenty of benches and other spaces to relax during your visit.

Children can go on an adventure through the garden on our Tudor Fairy Trail, searching for 10 Tudor inspired fairies that have been handmade by a local artist.

Today the gardens are looked after by our Gardens & Grounds Manager with help from a dedicated team of volunteers.