Those choosing Hatherop as a destination can explore three distinct historical subjects: the architectural and garden history of Hatherop Castle, the architecture and stained glass of St Nicholas, and Barrow Elm as a round barrow. Together, they lead from architecture and design to archaeology, without being confined to the same historical period. For planning, it helps to consider the Castle and church through their building phases and to understand Barrow Elm in terms of its own measurements.
Hatherop Castle and its gardens
Hatherop Castle was built in the 16th and 17th centuries. Between 1850 and 1856, Lord de Mauley commissioned Henry Clutton to extensively restore and extend the building. This gives it two clearly distinguishable phases: the period when the Castle was built and the later restoration and extension. Lord de Mauley commissioned the work, and Henry Clutton was its architect. The chronology makes the castle a subject for anyone who wants to understand architecture in terms of more than a single date of origin.
The park and Italian garden also have their own dates. The park at Hatherop Castle dates from the 16th or 17th century; the Italian garden dates to the late 19th century. It is rectangular, laid out as a terraced garden, and 50 m long. The park and garden thus represent different periods: the garden adds a later, clearly documented design to the history of the older park. The garden is therefore a subject in its own right when exploring Hatherop Castle, alongside the history of the house’s construction.
St Nicholas: rebuilding and stained glass
St Nicholas was completely rebuilt between 1854 and 1855 at the behest of Lord de Mauley, to designs by Henry Clutton and William Burges. This period overlaps with Clutton’s restoration and extension of Hatherop Castle for Lord de Mauley, which took place from 1850 to 1856. The same two names therefore appear in the building history of the place in connection with two projects; William Burges was an additional designer at St Nicholas.
The church features exceptionally fine stained glass throughout, by O'Connor and by Lavers, Barraud and Westlake. The window art provides a second way to explore the building’s history, alongside its rebuilding. The south chapel is a mortuary chapel for Lady de Mauley and adds a memorial site of its own to the architectural and artistic history.
Barrow Elm and its measurements
Barrow Elm offers an archaeological perspective. The round barrow is designated as a Scheduled Monument. It measures 19 m east to west and 15 m north to south, and is 1.5 m high. Its east-west axis is therefore 4 m longer than its north-south axis. The mound is expected to contain evidence of primary and secondary burials, as well as grave goods. While building phases are the focus at the Castle, Barrow Elm is defined by its dimensions and the archaeological evidence expected there.
Getting around the village
Hatherop Castle lies about 300 m west of Hatherop; a minor road approaches from the east. From the Lych Gate in the village, you can reach St Nicholas by following a path towards the Village Hall. Other routes to the church include steps from the grounds of Hatherop Castle School and a secluded footpath by the football ground. Check local conditions before visiting the church, particularly if you plan to use the route through the school grounds.
Discover more destinations: Woodmancote, Redmarley D'abitot, Charlton Kings, Stow On The Wold, Staunton, Dursley, Quenington, Coaley.
For the broader travel overview: Gloucestershire.
