Richard recently unveiled two plaques at the Swiss Garden in Shuttleworth.
Richard Fuller MP said:
I was honoured to be asked to unveil the two plaques at the Swiss Garden. First, the Fidelity Statue, which symbolises loyalty and faithfulness. A 19th-century statue of the Roman Goddess of Fides and her faithful dog, probably lost in the early 1970s when the garden became neglected. The Friends of Swiss Garden do tremendous work and managed to purchase a replacement.
Second the Summerhouse, which was extensively renovated last year and involved it being dismantled, removed, and renovated in a workshop, then returned to the site and re-erected.
A wonderful place and a beautiful day to enjoy the surroundings.
The Swiss Garden is a unique example of a Regency garden in the ‘Swiss Picturesque’ or ‘Alpine’ style forming part of the Grade II registered Old Warden Park and is home to a range of quirky structures, resident peacocks and Champion trees.
First created at the start of the nineteenth century by Robert Henley, 3rd Lord Ongley, the garden was restored and developed by the Shuttleworth family who owned the estate from the late nineteenth century until the death of Richard Shuttleworth in 1940, when the garden was placed into the Shuttleworth Trust.
Leased to Bedfordshire County Council in 1976, it was renovated and reopened to the public in 1981. Recognising the importance of the garden, a Heritage Lottery Fund enabled further extensive restoration in 2012-14. The Swiss Garden is now cared for by the Shuttleworth Trust who welcome visitors from around the world to share its beauty and peace. The Garden celebrated its 200th anniversary in 2024
The Friends of the Swiss Garden (FSG) was formed in 1992 to support, promote and raise funds for the Swiss Garden. Through their volunteer time, they have supported the Shuttleworth Trust in restoring the garden to it glorious state. To find out more, please visit: https://www.shuttleworth.org/discover/swiss-garden
