Gardens

New Hall was built in the grounds of The Orchard, a large house part-owned by Norah Barlow, granddaughter of Charles Darwin and a distinguished plantswoman. By the time it was given to New Hall, the garden was somewhat overgrown, though marked by fine beech trees, fruit trees and choice shrubs, some of which still remain. It was Dame Rosemary Murray, the first President, who planned and planted the gardens around the College in an informal style. The herbaceous border at the end of the Library was her particular favourite. As then, the gardens are a place for staff and students to enjoy.