April 28, 2017

Brodsworth

Brodsworth Hall - note the scaffolding
Just outside Doncaster there's a magnificent Victorian pile called Brodsworth Hall. To cut a long story short it fell on hard times after WWI and began to crumble gradually away so that, by the time English Heritage took it over in the 1990s, it was a faded remnant of its former glory.

In opposition to how most heritage organisation behave, EH decided to consolidate it 'as found' rather than restoring it. Today it's in the middle of a massive project to make it safe and suitable for visitors. It's wrapped in scaffolding and largely sheathed in plastic.

The gardens, however, are magnificent. Glorious sunshine gave me the chance to wander round and see them in their full wonder.  Here's some photos:
View to the hall across the fountain garden from under the laburnum arch. I'm determined to go back and see it when it's in flower. End of May should do it.
Round the back of the hall is a sweet little pet cemetery with carved headstones for the various animals. One says simply 'Polly parrot' while others give hints such as 'good boy', so I'm assuming that was a dog. There are no clues as to the species of Binkie Pippy, however. Sounds like a bunny to me!

The grounds are scattered with statuary and ghostly white figures in various degrees of dress stand around looking classical. I kind of liked this young lady feeding the pigeons. 

And then there was the real wildlife.  You get a hint of the colour from the fountain garden in this shot so the delightful robin isn't easy to spot, but he sat there singing his heart out for a while and seemed happy to have his photo taken. 

Now off you go over to Tricky's FAST blog to see the other Five on Friday posts. Happy weekend all. 

14 comments:

  1. I love the arch I want to do lots of arches here, perhaps Binky was pet pig :-)

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  2. Looks like from an old nouvel... how good, that they just save it and people can walk there! Lovely statue and the robin reminds me always of F. H. Burnett...
    Have a nice weekend

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    1. I agree. It certainly felt like The Secret Garden

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  3. That archway must be splendid in bloom. Please, share with us later!

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  4. Beautiful gardens! I love visiting the gardens of the old houses. They can be really beautiful. I think you're right - that headstone belongs to a rabbit.

    Happy Five on Friday

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  5. What a lovely day to visit a gorgeous stately home, we haven't seen sun here for a while. The gardens look wonderful, hope the laburnum rewards you on your return.

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  6. Great photos. Does "as found" simply mean they will leave it as is for when people are able to go inside? The flowers in your last shot are so colorful! Hope you have a great weekend.

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    1. Yes - as found means that it will look very worn and tatty - but it won't get worse.

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  7. Hope you can get back to visit that laburnum arch in a few weeks time as it will look wonderful:)

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  8. What a fascinating historic site! Too bad it went to such ruin before they started restoring it. I can't wait to see pictures of the inside when the work is done. Loved the arbor and the statue...and that sweet bird. Really nice post!

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  9. What a lovely constructed archway with such a commanding view at the end. We lived at Tickhill, Doncaster for 2 years 2005-07 and would regularly visit Clumber park. Such vast grounds but unfortunately only a chapel standing now. I think someone said it was destroyed in a fire.
    Interesting read, enjoy the weekend. Cathy

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  10. The little robin looks like he is posing for the camera! The gardens look beautiful and I would love to see the laburnum arch when it is at its full glory.

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  11. What a great Five on Friday post, thank you so much for participating. LOVE the arches in the gardens, i'd plant those up with grapes in the summer and then maybe wintersquashes for year round harvests out here :) I apologise for being so late getting round to everyone's blogs, we had so much going on that I just didn't get a chance, I hope you understand. All the Best - Tricky

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