Peacock Garden Warwick Castle

Images of Britain: Peacock Garden, Warwick Castle

The peacock is the male of the species Indian Peafowl, and has commonly been kept on country estates in England for millenia. It was originally introduced into Europe from India, quite probably by Alexander the Great. Primarily a decorative element on the lawns of the wealthy, its magnificent display of tail feathers were used in fashion. Peacocks were also occasionally eaten.

The Peacock Garden is the name given to the formal gardens at the western end of the grounds of Warwick Castle in Warwick, designed in the 19th century by Robert Marnock (1800-1889). Marnock was a leading garden designer of the mid-19th century and this garden features sculptured topiaries, manicured hedges, a fountain, a rose garden, and a large conservatory with a tea room, as well as peacocks. The garden overlooks the Pageant Fields.