The Secret Garden takes place primarily in Misselthwaite Manor, a large, old house on the Yorkshire Moors in England. The story begins in India but quickly shifts to this remote and mysterious estate after the main character, Mary Lennox, is sent to live with her uncle, Archibald Craven, following the death of her parents.
The Yorkshire Moors provide a stark contrast to the lush, tropical environment of India. The moors are described as wild, desolate, and windswept, which mirrors Mary’s initial feelings of loneliness and isolation. The manor itself is vast and filled with secrets, including the hidden garden that becomes central to the story.
As Mary explores the manor and its grounds, she discovers the secret garden, which has been locked and neglected for years. This garden becomes a place of healing and transformation for Mary, her cousin Colin, and even her uncle. The setting of the Yorkshire Moors and the secret garden itself play crucial roles in the characters’ emotional and physical journeys throughout the novel.