Garden for Hyde Abbey - TrustNews May 02
Plans for a memorial garden for Hyde Abbey are going ahead at the bottom of King Alfred Place. The site of the Abbey was confirmed by a recent Community Archaeology Project and as a result the Friends of Hyde Abbey Garden came into being. The Friends' Steering Committee has chosen a design by Landscape Architect Kim Wilkie, and a glass panel by Glass Engraver Tracey Shepherd (illustrated here), depicting the interior of the Abbey, will stand at the entrance. The garden will considerably enhance the character of Hyde and emphasise the site's heritage as a royal burial ground.
In 1110, the remains of King Alfred the Great, Queen Ealswith and their son Edward the Elder were moved from New Minster, adjacent to the present Cathedral, and reburied in front of the high altar of Hyde Abbey.
This community-led garden project is supported by the City Council as its Jubilee Project. Significant financial support is coming from the City Council, but the Friends need to raise about £26,000 to complete the garden. It is hoped the garden will be ready by June 2003, when it will open to the public. Barbara Hall will be leading a Trust walk on 18th July entitled ”A walk from New Minster to Hyde Abbey" see enclosed list.
Members interested in this project should contact the Chairman of the Friends of Hyde Abbey Garden Steering Committee at the Historic Resources Centre, telephone: 01962 848269; e-mail: museums@winchester.gov.uk