On 13 October 2016, a study day will be held at the Château de Freÿr on the role of water in historic parks and gardens. Historians and various specialists will take an in-depth look at the importance of water features.

Whilst fountains, ponds, waterfalls and canals abounded in historic gardens and parks, their presence was for more than purely aesthetic reasons. Water was of course indispensable for practical reasons too.

This event is open to everyone and is designed to examine how water was integrated into a landscape garden, particularly in the 18th century. The issues to be covered include taking a look at the challenges that a landscape architect had to overcome in any project involving water features. If one wished to have water, a source of water as well as a hydraulic system had to be envisaged and the system required regular maintenance and sometimes even restoration.

Further details of the programme for the study day will be announced shortly on this website.