Episode 3
Topiary was probably brought to these islands by the Romans. The controversy lingers on for Hugh Barker. Read by Tim Keys.
Written by Hugh Barker. Read by Tim Key.
Hugh Barker, a hedge enthusiast, has journeyed across Britain to explore its remarkable variety of hedgerows.
Topiary - was probably brought to these islands by the Romans, the controversy lingers on.
Over the course of his travels he discovers how hedges are amongst our most ancient monuments, meets hedgelaying champions and topiary fanatics, and sees the lengths to which some people will go to annoy the neighbours. Along the way he tells how a connection between paradise and the garden hedge grew up, why the British Army planted a barrier hedge hundreds of miles long in India, and how the notorious enclosures during the Industrial Revolution turned the country upside-down.
Abridged and Produced by Jill Waters
A Waters Company production for BBC Radio 4.
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Wed 23 May 201209:45BBC Radio 4 FM- Thu 24 May 201200:30BBC Radio 4
- Wed 29 Mar 201714:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
- Thu 30 Mar 201702:45BBC Radio 4 Extra
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