Plural of garth; enclosed gardens, courtyards, or outdoor spaces typically found within larger buildings or fortifications.
From Old Norse garðr (enclosure, yard) brought to England by Viking settlers. The word persists strongly in Northern England and Scotland. A garth was an essential part of medieval architecture, especially in monasteries, castles, and noble estates.
Walk through old cathedral or castle ruins and you'll find mysterious rectangular spaces in the center—those are garths, and they were absolutely crucial to medieval life, providing food, herb gardens, and private outdoor space.
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