Entrance and Great Gate

The impressive entrance wall of old, handmade Silas Lucas bricks holds the beautiful wrought iron gates which once hung at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. The Coat of Arms of Queen Elizabeth 1 of England is over the entrance door. The motto, “Honi soit qui mal y pense”, meaning 'shame be to him who evil thinks' is the basis for the Order of the Garter.

A large bronze plaque embedded in the entrance wall bears this inscription by Inglis Fletcher, a noted author:

“Down the centuries, English women have built gardens, to the glory of God, the beauty of the countryside and the comfort of their souls. The women of The Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc. have planted this garden in memory of the valiant men and women who founded the first English colony in America. From this hallowed ground on Roanoke Island, they walked away through the dark forest and into history. 1985-1951/1585”

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