The Beauty of Goldings

VISITORS TO Goldings frequently comment favourably on the beautiful grounds, with
particular emphasis regarding the splendid condition and variety of our specimen trees.
Among those to which attention is always drawn are the magnificent Cedars of Lebanon.
There are three main species of cedar in this country namely: Cedar of Lebanon, atlas
cedar and the deodar, all of which are featured here at Goldings.
Cedrus Libeni is a native of Mount Lebanon in Palestine, having-sacred and historic
associations, being the scriptural Cedar of Lebanon. The first tree said to be grown in
Europe was brought from Palestine by a returning Crusader, who gave it half his own
water ration throughout the voyage to keep it alive. This tree was planted in the Garden
of the Tuileries in Paris.
We can boast to possessing several trees of this specie, the best and certainly most
dominant specimen being situated on the front lawn to the south-east corner of the chapel.
It is 90 feet high and has a girth of 15.8 feet near the base (thanks to Mr. Sheppard
and his boys for this information).
I am often asked to guess at the age of these trees so I leave the readers to work it
out for themselves. Assuming that our trees must be among the oldest in the country
judging by their size, one must base their answers on the date of introduction.
According to W. J. Bean, and other authorities on British trees, this specie was
introduced in the latter half of the seventeenth century, probably between 1670 and 1680
.irrespective of its other values and associations no tree has added more charm to these
islands than the Cedar of Lebanon.
One must be initiated into the art of landscaping and understand horticultural history
to appreciate the judicious positioning of these trees. In the last century, transformation
swept through the character and layout of our gardens and large estates. This was brought
about by a famous horticulturist known affectionately as 'Capability' Brown. He discredited all former strictly formal layouts, and
proceeded to interest the gentry with wide open vistas, vast sweeping lawns flanked by carefully situated trees. Evidence of his style can
be seen up and down the country and although Goldings is not mentioned in his autobiography, there is no doubt but what his pattern has
been followed here. Two estates which he did layout are Fanshaws and Panshanger, proving that he spent some considerable time in this
area.
A typical example of his theme is the view and vistas looking across our main lawn from the front terrace, towards a small lake-like
stretch of river in the distance. This picture is 'framed' by two fine specimens of Cedars of Lebanon on the cricket field bank. Reversing the
view from the south and looking back towards the main house, again these two cedars force one to concentrate on the building as the focal
point. Anyone who plants trees does so with the full knowledge that any benefit derived will be for another generation. With this thought
in mind let us all respect the heritage vested in us and keep our trees wholesome for future generations of Goldings boys.

E. L.

Whenever I visit Hertford and the surrounding areas I always take a stroll through the grounds of Goldings.
The Bottom field is no longer a sports grounds, the swimming pool, the tennis courts, are gone top field has no football pitches, gone
are the Gardens, the orchards, the parade ground, and many of the trees have disappeared, and the biggest change of all no boys.
As we walk over the bridges there are the rivers meandering through the grounds giving home to Herons and Water fowl, as it’s always
been, and then along the paths are Squirrels and Rabbits scurrying about their business, seeming to be totally oblivious to my
presence walking along. In the trees, and all around are birds singing, ranging from tiny Wrens, Blue Tits, Sparrows, Robins and
Finches to the common and garden Magpies, Wood Pigeons, and Doves. At Goldings Lane entrance to the left in a small clump of
trees live the most beautiful pair of Pheasants, shy and dodging in and out of the trees so as not to be seen.
Then there is Goldings it self standing in all it’s splendour, and looking up from were the Parade Ground used to be, it’s still the same
nothings changed, at least from the outside.
So to conclude Goldings is still beautiful different but Beautiful just the same.
Dave Blower 62-65