This charming 18th century house in the
heart of the village of Selborne was the home of the Rev. Gilbert White.
Anyone who has read his 'Natural
History of Selborne' will be fascinated by the house and garden
where Gilbert White lived for most of his life. The
garden is being carefully restored to resemble as closely
as possible Gilbert White's original garden.
The wooden ha-ha, the 'quincunx' and the 'six
quarters' (beds which display the plants he described) have already been
established. Other features include a superb laburnam arch, topieary and a fragrant
herb garden.
Many of the plants Gilbert White loved are still grown here
and some of these are on sale. Refreshments in the tea parlour include 18th century
fare.
The Wakes is also associated with Captain
Oates. Today the house is owned by the Oates Memorial
Trust and there is a museum devoted to the Antarctic explorer.
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