Event Report

Visit to Court House, East Meon.

10th September 2011

Corinne and Bob Solen arranged with the owners of the Old Court House at East Meon for members of the Garden Club to visit the Old Court House gardens. The visit was attended by 25 club members who were all welcomed by the owners Clare and George. The weather forecast for the afternoon was not promising, but we were all rewarded by a practically dry visit with small but pleasant sunny breaks, albeit a little windy.

The old Court House is located opposite the church. A plaque in the "Court Hall" announced that the Hall with its Service and Chamber Wing were built from 1395 to 1397. At this time, and for many centuries, East Meon belonged to successive bishops of Winchester. The Court House was the administrative centre and home to a number of monks who played host to the Bishop when he visited East Meon. The monks also recorded all important imports and exports to and from the parish.
The English Civil War took place in the 1640s and the Parliamentarians camped near the village before the Battle of Cheriton in 1644. They are believed to have used the court house.

The present owners have done extensive work recovering and improving the gardens. The herbaceous borders, containing many varieties of salvia's at their best, were a delight. The garden is divided into several sections separated by thick well manicured yew hedges. During very dry weather, in one of the lawns, traces of the outlines of foundations of older buildings can be faintly seen. A very gnarled old yew stands serenely where it has probably stood for more than 400 years.

Members were also allowed into the walled garden which was an additional bonus as this part of the garden is not normally open to garden visitors.

By chance the visit was made to the accompaniment of several peals from the 10 bells of the nearby All Saints Church which were being rung by a team of visiting ringers.

After the garden tour we all entered the amazing "Court Hall" where we were treated to tea and homemade sandwiches and cakes, which were provided by Clare (one of the owners) and Corinne. These treats were very much enjoyed by everyone, including a lovely Jack Russell terrier.

It was unanimous that it had been a great afternoon's outing and our thanks go to George and Clare for their kind hospitality, and to Corinne and Bob for making it possible.