In 2015, the Kent Gardens Trust performed a review of historical information relating to the gardens of Bishopscourt in Rochester.

From the report:
"STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE …The situation of the garden, built on raised ground with extensive views to the River Medway and Rochester Castle, and as the immediate setting for Bishopscourt house, offers moderate aesthetic and landmark value.Bishopscourt garden forms part of a network of designed and historic green spaces to the south of the centre of Rochester which provide relaxing places for the local community and a social, spiritual and symbolic communal connection with the City’s long ecclesiastical history.

… The 1st to 4th editions of the OS maps show that the boundaries and structure of the main garden with perimeter paths and a central space were established by approximately 1870 with no subsequent change. The 1st edition map of 1862-1875 shows a large number of trees planted near the northern (Love Lane) and southern boundaries, furthest away from the house." (1)

Historical significance is placed on the significant use of fabric from the gardens earlier forms, with material being incorporated in its enclosing walls. Specifically, the south boundary comprises of a 100m long grade II listed wall, which dates to, and incorporates C16 and C17 material. Built of flint and ragstone rubble with triangular coping and has much brick dressing and patching.

The association of both the house and the garden with the bishops and the cathedral of Rochester since the dissolution continues to the present day (apart from a brief period 1845-1919). "During the late C20 the bishops appear to have taken little interest in the garden and it became very overgrown with a proliferation of Cupressus Leylandii trees (32 in all). In the early C21 Bishop James Langstaff was translated to Rochester; he and his wife decided to revive the garden and a long-term plan to re-design it was started as a major project."

The garden has been open to the public on certain days of the year since 2012 as a fund-raising venture. The house and garden remain in the ownership of the Church Commissioners (correct as of January 2015). (1)

<1> Kent Gardens Trust, 2015, The Kent Compendium of Historic Parks and Gardens for Medway: Bishopscourt, Rochester (Unpublished document). SKE31402.