Situated on a plateau above the gorge of the River Severn, Benthall Hall is a fine stone house which has mullioned and transomed windows and a stunning interior with carved oak staircase, decorated plaster ceilings and oak panelling. There is an intimate and carefully restored plantsman's garden, old kitchen garden and interesting restoration church.Benthall Hall, a National Trust property in Broseley has a rich and facinating history. The current Mr and Mrs Benthall are the 30th generation to live at the House.The Garden dates back to 1860, when George and Arthur Maw, owners of the Jackfield Tile Works took on the tenancy, and is a lovely peaceful place, ideal for leisurely walks amid primroses, wood anemones and orchids. The influence of the Maws can still be found in the garden to this day. George Maw travelled throughout Europe, and North America collecting many plants and bulbs on his way. One of his favourites was crocuses and he returned home to grow many species, with many still surviving in sunken frames.
The family have collected a large variety of unusual plants over the years and be prepared to find a few surprises drawing your eye as you wonder, unsuspectingly round each corner. The Old Kitchen Garden with its herbacious borders, lie to one side of the hall. There you can find crab apples, cherries and plums.
The garden has a very natural feel about it. The plants are left to intermingle and are not manicured and regimented as in other National Trust properties. Much of the garden's design that can be seen today comes from Robert Bateman and his wife who lived at the Hall from 1890 to 1906. It was them who laid out Benthalls rockeries and terraces and planted the topiary in the rose garden. Should you wish, you can venture beyond the garden into the wood where in you can see various flowers throughout the seasons, including Narcissi and anemones, bluebells, camassias and lilies.