LORD and Lady Bolton are opening up their gardens at Wensley, near Leyburn, on two Sundays for charity.

Following the English Civil War, when parliamentary forces laid siege to Bolton Castle, the ancestral home moved to nearby Bolton Hall.

Charles Powlett, the 1st Duke of Bolton, laid down the extensive gardens in 1678, creating a rock garden, water garden and a yew tree court complete with swan house. He also put in many of the plants and trees that still form the basis of today’s lay out.

To prepare for the open garden days, Lord and Lady Bolton, who are both keen gardeners, have rolled up their sleeves to get things shipshape.

Lord Bolton said: "Even after the war there were still ten gardeners employed here, although we don't have that many now.

“It is a wonderful place and I hope visitors take advantage of the chance to see it all.”

The gardens are open from 2pm until 5pm on Sunday, May 31, for Wensley church funds and on Sunday, June 7, in aid of St Teresa's Hospice, in Darlington. Refreshments are available on both days.