This post comes from the highlights of Becky Stockton’s talk on Tudor Gardens from Tudorcon 2023
Gardens during the Tudor era were more than just places for beauty and leisure; they were powerful symbols of wealth, status, and control. At Tudorcon 2023, garden historian Becky Stockton gave a fascinating presentation on the evolution of Tudor gardens, and how these lush landscapes reflected the power and grandeur of England’s most famous dynasty.
Tudor Gardens: From Utility to Grandeur
Tudor gardens evolved from medieval utilitarian spaces—kitchen gardens and orchards—to grand displays of wealth and power. With the political stability brought by the Tudors after the Wars of the Roses, gardens became more than functional; they were designed to impress. As Becky explained, Henry VII’s Richmond Palace and Henry VIII’s Hampton Court are perfect examples of how royal gardens moved away from fortifications and focused on lavishness.
The Rise of Knot Gardens
One of the standout features of Tudor garden design was the intricate knot garden. These formal, symmetrical gardens were designed in elaborate patterns resembling rope knots, filled with aromatic herbs and evergreen shrubs. Stockton explained that these gardens, often viewed from above, were meant to symbolize order, control, and mastery over nature. The evergreen hedges were carefully maintained throughout the year, ensuring that the gardens could be enjoyed even during the colder months.
“Knot gardens were an iconic symbol of Tudor power,” Stockton emphasized. “They showed not just wealth, but a ruler’s ability to maintain control over nature itself.”
The Influence of the Renaissance
Tudor gardens were also influenced by the European Renaissance, particularly the trends coming out of Italy and France. Stockton highlighted that Henry VIII, with his desire to outdo his rivals in France, spared no expense in creating gardens that featured elaborate statues, fountains, and exotic plants.
“Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Garden was designed to rival the French palaces,” Stockton noted. “He hired Italian architects and French gardeners to ensure that his gardens displayed the height of Renaissance luxury.”
Garden Symbolism and Tudor Propaganda
Gardens were also a form of non-verbal communication. Just as Tudor portraits were filled with symbolism, gardens conveyed the might and stability of the monarchy. Stockton shared that heraldic beasts, such as dragons and lions, were common in Henry VIII’s gardens, signaling the Tudor dynasty’s legitimacy and strength. In particular, the green and white striped rails of Henry’s gardens were a direct reflection of Tudor heraldry, ensuring no visitor would forget whose gardens they were in.
“Tudor gardens were a masterclass in political propaganda,” Stockton explained. “They were designed not just for leisure, but to communicate the legitimacy and strength of the new dynasty.”
Elizabethan Gardens: A Shift Towards Exoticism
Becky Stockton also discussed how Elizabethan gardens marked a shift from her father’s rigid symbolism to a more personalized and romanticized approach. Elizabeth I embraced exotic plants from the New World and relied less on heavy symbolism. Stockton highlighted Robert Dudley’s Kenilworth Castle garden, which featured stunning Renaissance designs, including a massive water pageant to celebrate Elizabeth’s visit.
“Elizabethan gardens were no longer about brute power,” Stockton said. “They were about refinement, beauty, and, in many ways, personal diplomacy.”
What Modern Gardens Can Learn from Tudor Gardens
Tudor gardens may seem like relics of the past, but their influence is still felt in garden design today. The Tudor emphasis on symmetry, control, and year-round interest can be seen in many modern formal gardens. If you’re feeling inspired by Tudor garden history, why not incorporate a few elements, such as an herb-filled knot garden or a small orchard, into your own backyard?
Discover More from Tudorcon 2023
Want to dive deeper into the history of Tudor gardens and other fascinating topics? The Tudorcon 2023 Video Collection is now available! Gain access to Becky Stockton’s full presentation, along with other expert talks on Tudor history.
To explore these fascinating stories and more, you can gain full access to the Tudorcon 2023 video collection. Learn directly from expert historians about the intricacies of Tudor life, politics, and power—right from the comfort of your home.
Heather Teysko is the creator, writer, and producer of The Renaissance English History Podcast,  the original Tudor history podcast, started in 2009. She's been writing about history online for over 25 years, since her first site on Colonial American history became number one in history on Yahoo in 1998. In 2019 she created Tudorcon, which is now a yearly event, in addition to writing books, and running TudorFair.com - a whimsical Tudor Merch shop.
She has been passionate about Tudor England since she first read Alison Weir's The Six Wives of Henry VIII 30 years ago, and subsequently moved to London after college to spend her time immersed in Tudor history (how exciting when she got to interview Alison for the first time!). In addition to history, she is passionate about travel, and has lived in 3 countries and 4 states (not counting her perpetual state of confusion), and her family (who help her host her YouTube channel occasionally).
