May 3, 2022Liked by Mollie Simpson, Sophie Atkinson
Sophie, what a wonderfully written article. Full of spring delight with a northern twist. This is a book from my childhood and apart from the films of the book there was a particularly memorable (probably bbc) series many years ago. You will surely have inspired people to go and read the book. I believe FHB was born in York St/Rd which later became Cheetham Hill Rd. The author led a very interesting life it seems travelling back and forth across the Atlantic and between her many homes .
On your foray into the wild area at the end of your piece, it encouraged me to look at one of my Alan Godfrey maps of the park dated 1922. There were many large houses built around Buile Hill in Victorian times, villas called Summer Hill, Gorsefield ,Chaseley House and Fern Hill all opposite to Sandy Grove and Brentwood . Maybe it was one of those gardens ,now derelict that you went in. FHB would have known these large houses I'm sure, the grounds of the mansion were surrounded by them.
Thanks for this response, that's fascinating about the 1922 maps! Will have to do some delving for myself — but sounds like a convincing theory. Never knew Salford had so many lovely villas at that time.
By the way I noticed there was a lodge to one of the large houses on my 1922 map right next to the road so it was probably the garden to the lodge that is behind the iron railings that you went in.
You'll be able to access old maps at National Library of Scotland (nls) online they have historic maps from late 19C to early 20C from all over the country and also have a side by side function with present day too. If you want me to photograph my map of the area around Buile Hill mansion then let me know how I can get it to you.
A nice piece of writing evocative of the past but also contemporaneous with the voices of passers by.Hope that the citizens of Salford get to enjoy this historic treasure again.
I agree, it's astonishing that it's been shut so long. But hopefully it'll be open again by next year — and fingers crossed that members of the public will be able to wander around it even if they're not specifically there for a conference/wedding/whatever.
I love your article about the Secret Garden. So much rings true! Nature is glorious and so good for us humans. I recently got to know a new species of conifer, the most graceful dancers in the wind. I don’t know whether it’s a fit noble or a cedar. Bug having noticed them, I now see them everywhere.
Enchanted by this book as a child, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey to not just find the garden's location but to experience the effect of being inside a little bit of wilderness. What a joy to read!
Thanks for this lovely comment. And you should absolutely do some exploring! I'd never been to Buile Hill Park before and I'll certainly be returning - just so vast that it warrants a couple of different trips, perhaps, if you're short on time. Maybe worth going on a Sunday morning so you could see the sensory garden at the same time!
Great article. I had been revisiting buile hill park during lockdown walks - never knew about the Secret Garden connection! I am going to go back today to find the hidden oasis ..
Good to see the mansion is being renovated for use after all this time. I'm glad Sophie found her secret garden - how lovely if it were the start of a new relationship for her with nature!
A magical recount of The Secret Garden. Engaging writing, especially the discovery at the end!
Thanks Dorli, that's kind of you to say! Yeah, I couldn't believe my luck — my discovery felt slightly too perfect for the article, haha.
Happenstance Sophie!
Sophie, what a wonderfully written article. Full of spring delight with a northern twist. This is a book from my childhood and apart from the films of the book there was a particularly memorable (probably bbc) series many years ago. You will surely have inspired people to go and read the book. I believe FHB was born in York St/Rd which later became Cheetham Hill Rd. The author led a very interesting life it seems travelling back and forth across the Atlantic and between her many homes .
On your foray into the wild area at the end of your piece, it encouraged me to look at one of my Alan Godfrey maps of the park dated 1922. There were many large houses built around Buile Hill in Victorian times, villas called Summer Hill, Gorsefield ,Chaseley House and Fern Hill all opposite to Sandy Grove and Brentwood . Maybe it was one of those gardens ,now derelict that you went in. FHB would have known these large houses I'm sure, the grounds of the mansion were surrounded by them.
Thank you for such an interesting piece.
Thanks for this response, that's fascinating about the 1922 maps! Will have to do some delving for myself — but sounds like a convincing theory. Never knew Salford had so many lovely villas at that time.
By the way I noticed there was a lodge to one of the large houses on my 1922 map right next to the road so it was probably the garden to the lodge that is behind the iron railings that you went in.
You'll be able to access old maps at National Library of Scotland (nls) online they have historic maps from late 19C to early 20C from all over the country and also have a side by side function with present day too. If you want me to photograph my map of the area around Buile Hill mansion then let me know how I can get it to you.
A nice piece of writing evocative of the past but also contemporaneous with the voices of passers by.Hope that the citizens of Salford get to enjoy this historic treasure again.
I agree, it's astonishing that it's been shut so long. But hopefully it'll be open again by next year — and fingers crossed that members of the public will be able to wander around it even if they're not specifically there for a conference/wedding/whatever.
One of my favourite books. Magic:)
Agreed! Just very special writing indeed.
I love your article about the Secret Garden. So much rings true! Nature is glorious and so good for us humans. I recently got to know a new species of conifer, the most graceful dancers in the wind. I don’t know whether it’s a fit noble or a cedar. Bug having noticed them, I now see them everywhere.
Thank you and I will definitely read the book.
Hi Brigitte, thanks for reading Sophie's wonderful piece. What's your borough, would love to include your comment in our letters section. Best, Dani
We are in Fallowfield.
Enchanted by this book as a child, and thoroughly enjoyed the journey to not just find the garden's location but to experience the effect of being inside a little bit of wilderness. What a joy to read!
Thank you Liz, really glad you liked it. Was so much fun to get to experience some of Hodgson Burnett's creation off the page.
Loved reading this
Thank you!
Utterly delightful
Thanks Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed it.
How delightful, a very engaging article, makes me want to go exploring.
Thanks for this lovely comment. And you should absolutely do some exploring! I'd never been to Buile Hill Park before and I'll certainly be returning - just so vast that it warrants a couple of different trips, perhaps, if you're short on time. Maybe worth going on a Sunday morning so you could see the sensory garden at the same time!
Evocative. Well done.
Thanks Tudor, glad you liked it.
Keep writing, Sophie. Regards.
Great article. I had been revisiting buile hill park during lockdown walks - never knew about the Secret Garden connection! I am going to go back today to find the hidden oasis ..
Love the idea of the secret garden being in Salford. One of my favourite books as a child.
Good to see the mansion is being renovated for use after all this time. I'm glad Sophie found her secret garden - how lovely if it were the start of a new relationship for her with nature!