Hardwick Hall Country Park
Hardwick Hall County Park is a park located in County Durham near Sedgefield. It is registered with the Register of Parks and Gardens as a II* site, which indicates that a park is "of exceptional historic interest."[1]
History
In medieval times, the lands which now comprise the park abutted the manor of Herdwyck. The 18th century saw change, as a new hall was built a new owner—a wealthy businessman from Tyneside named John Burdon—began to develop the grounds. Burdon enhanced the 17-acre (69,000 m2) ornamental lake on the south side of the hall by adding an artificial river leading to it and encircling it with a walkway. In all, he laid out 40 acres (160,000 m2) of additional ornamental features, including temples, grottoes and follies designed primarily by London architect James Paine. Although the grounds and buildings were not subsequently well maintained, the garden retains the basic structure placed by Paine and is an unusual example of authentic 18th century landscape design.
County Durham had already begun to acquire parts of the property when in 1997 it determined to undertake the preservation of the property. A commissioned study in 1999 provided a detailed estimate of the expenses of restoration and also gave indication of the property's significance, which led to the Register of Parks and Gardens rating the property a II*. With assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the County purchased additional land from the gardens in 2001 and launched a restoration scheme to bring the garden back to its former condition. In addition, the garden includes a visitor centre, cafe, toilets, exhibition, classroom and office.
Gallery
References
External links
- Hardwick Park, Durham County Council.