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Historic Royal Palaces blog

Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces

Insights and behind the scenes from our palaces

'May I Go Home?': Lady Jane Grey's First Moments as a Tower Prisoner

11 October 2024

Lady Jane Grey's biographer, Dr Nicola Tallis unpicks the moment that Jane learned of her deposition and was forced to come to terms with her fall from Queen to Tower prisoner.

Composting at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

27 September 2024

Gardens manager Claire Woods explores how compost is used in the gardens at Hillsborough Castle and shares some expert advice for your own garden at home.

Companion Planting: A Gardener's Guide to Creating Harmony Among Your Plants

26 July 2024

Keeper of the Walled Garden Daniel Coombes explores how companion planting has transformed the Walled Garden into a thriving ecosystem, and how you can replicate these benefits at home.

Rare and Historic Northern Irish Plant Varieties at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

28 June 2024

Northern Ireland is home to a rich variety of rare and historic plants, many of which can be found at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens. Gardens Manager Claire Woods explores the history behind growing these plants and the importance of conserving them for future generations.

Mary, Marchioness of Downshire: A Life in Miniature

07 June 2024

Research and Interpretation Producer Emma Lawthers takes a brief glimpse into the lives of the Mary and the Hill family of Hillsborough Castle, as seen through the lens of a very unique object.

Royal Trees at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

31 May 2023

Claire Woods, Gardens Manager at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, reflects on some of the trees planted by members of the Royal Family, which are still available to view in the castle grounds today, and the newest addition for 2023.

Preparing the Peace

10 April 2023

Reflecting on Hillsborough Castle’s political role, 25 years on from the Good Friday Agreement.

What to see at Spring Spectacular 2023

01 March 2023

How our gardens team created a planting scheme for over half a million bulbs, and how to create a mini Spring Spectacular in your own outdoor space.

Celebrating Hillsborough Castle's Moss Walk

09 March 2020

Although moss gardens are a relatively common sight in Japan there are very few in the UK and Ireland. So it's special for us that one of the best examples in Northern Ireland is at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens! Gardens Manager Claire Woods introduces Hillsborough's Moss Walk.

New life for the glasshouse at Hillsborough Castle

20 December 2019

It's been an exceptionally busy year for the gardens team at Hillsborough Castle, with the doors to the extensive estate thrown open to the public every day for the first time. Time has also been found to transform the glasshouse, a modest but attractive corner of the gardens that had long been overlooked.