Biddulph Grange, originally a rectory, was transformed into a stunning garden estate by James Bateman and his wife Maria in the 1840s. Bateman, an affluent horticulturist with a passion for plants, utilized his wealth and expertise to create a botanical haven. With the assistance of his friend Edward William Cooke, a talented artist and designer, Bateman curated a collection of plants from around the world, predominantly favouring orchids, rhododendrons, and azaleas. The gardens, characterized by their compartmentalized design and thematic sections inspired by Italian, Egyptian, and Chinese influences, stood as a unique blend of landscape styles between Capability Brown and High Victorian eras.
In 1861, financial strains led Bateman to sell the estate, which changed hands multiple times until a fire destroyed the house in 1896. Architect Thomas Bower reconstructed the house, which later served as a children’s hospital g to the mid-1980s. During this period, neglect took its toll on the gardens, but by 1991, the National Trust had taken over ownership of the estate and initiated extensive restoration efforts.
It was the largest garden restoration project the National Trust had taken on at the time, and continues in its restoration journey to this day.
The house had remained derelict until a developer bought it and converted it into nine apartments. The 78 acres of woodland that was part of the Grange estate was taken up by Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and is now the Biddulph Country Park.
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