New physic garden at Bolton Castle honours 8th Lord Bolton

A new ‘Cancer Garden’ opens today (Wednesday, June 24, at Bolton Castle near Leyburn in a touching tribute to Harry, the 8th Lord Bolton, who died of cancer in 2023 following a “brave fight” with the disease.

The garden was the idea of gardener Elizabeth Carter, who has tended the castle’s Herb Garden for years and wanted to create something meaningful in his memory.

Left, Elizabeth Carter and Tom Lord Bolton Bolton Castle Cancer Garden discuss the garden (Image: Supplied)

Tom, the 9th Lord Bolton, said: “Dad reinstated the gardens at Bolton Castle and always loved talking to Elizabeth about them and I was very touched when she suggested a cancer garden in remembrance of him.

“With her encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine, Elizabeth has done an amazing job of ensuring the plants tell the story of the origins of many remedies, which tie in with the history of the castle.

“Tragically, too many people are affected by this awful disease and we would like to use the opportunity to highlight the work of Herriot Hospice, who gave both Dad and Elizabeth’s father wonderful care in their last weeks of life.”

Left, Elizabeth Carter and Tom Lord Bolton Bolton Castle Cancer Garden discuss the garden (Image: Supplied)

The garden is designed as a “physic bed” – a space planted with herbs and flowers historically believed to bring comfort or relief to those suffering from cancer and other serious illnesses.

It sits within the castle’s southeast walled garden and complements the existing planting, all of which reflects the period from the 14th to 16th centuries.

Plants such as Madonna lily and hyacinth, both associated with remembrance and cancer, feature in the new bed.

Elizabeth Carter said: “This is my 12th year working in the gardens at Bolton Castle and it has taken me on a fascinating exploration of medieval plants about which I previously knew nothing.

“Had Lord Bolton not reinstated the gardens, I would never have had such an adventure, and I wanted to say thank you and honour him in some way.

“As Lord Bolton’s death was attributed to cancer, I thought a memorial cancer bed might be appropriate.

“The information I have prepared includes the history of cancer from its first mention in an Egyptian papyrus from 3,500 BC to the physicians’ approach to and treatment of cancer over the years to the present day.”

The garden will develop further as the plants mature, adding colour and depth over time.

Jason Hanslip, head gardener at Bolton Castle, also played a key role in bringing the project to life.

Lord Bolton said: “Head gardener, Jason Hanslip, who played a part in creating the garden and I am proud to have been able to work on this with Elizabeth and the team and open the garden today to our visitors.”

The Cancer Garden opens to visitors on 24 June 2026, and access for visitors is included with entry.