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.
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 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!
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!
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.
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.
One of my favourite books. Magic:)
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.
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!
Loved reading this
Utterly delightful
How delightful, a very engaging article, makes me want to go exploring.
Evocative. Well done.
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!