Brodsworth Hall and Gardens

Brodsworth, nr Doncaster, South Yorkshire DN5 7XJ

Tel: 01302 722598

website: www.english-heritage.org.uk

One of England's most complete Victorian country houses, Brodsworth Hall was opened to the public in 1995 following a major programme of restoration and conservation by English Heritage. Charles Sabine Augustus Thellusson inherited the Brodsworth estate, together with a considerable fortune, in 1859 and decided to commission a new mansion to replace the old 18^th century house. Built in the Italianate style and then decorated and furnished in the opulent fashion of the 1860's, much of the original scheme survives to this day. Rich decorative schemes and finishes are found throughout the house and the halls form an elegant setting for a succession of bright white marble statues, many of which came from the Dublin International Exhibition of 1865. English Heritage decided to conserve rather than restore the interior, retaining the original furnishings and finishes, so preserving the patina that only time and family use can bring. Hence Brodsworth today is the story of a once brashly opulent house now having grown comfortably old and inviting to all.

The gardens complemented the house when laid out in the 1860's and are now well on their way to being restored to their appearance at the time of their maturity. Beyond the terrace and croquet lawns, bordered by clipped evergreen shrubs, lies the formal flower garden now superbly laid out with spring and summer bedding appropriate to the period. Beyond can be found the romantic quarry garden, an enchantment of paths, bridges and vistas, with its newly resorted rock garden and fern dell.