Elvaston Castle
Elvaston Castle Country Park is over 200 acres of open parkland, woodland and gardens, and was one of the first country parks in England, opened in 1970 - now looked after by Derbyshire County Council. Today people enjoy visiting the park free of charge, whether it be for a walk, to go cycling or horse riding, bird watching or taking the family out to see many of its interesting sights. There is always something unusual around the next corner - look out for the fabulous carved wooden statues..............
Just before arriving at the castle you will come to the delightful Springthorpe's Cottage; a Moorish style lodge situated near the outer courtyard and stables. It was built about 1850 and only has 2 rooms, one up and one down with a scullery attached at the back. Its last occupant was a handyman/caretaker for the Earl and his name was Edwin Springthorpe - hence the cottage being known by that name now.
If you head for the castle, which was actually the manor house for the Earls of Harrington, you will come to the courtyard and stable block (which are ready to be rejuvenated), and through the archway are the tea rooms and public conveniences.
You can imagine how this place was a hub of activity in years gone by - with horses and carriages, farm animals and equipment and servants all scurrying about.
The Castle is described as a "Gothic Revival masterpiece" and was designed in the early 19th century by James Wyatt - based on a house originally there as long ago as 1633. A century before this, there was an estate here, sold to Sir Michael Stanhope in 1538 after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The Elizabethan styled manor house, built in 1633 was redesigned and extended by James Wyatt adding a new wing, a great hall and refurbishing much of its interior. What a grand sight it must have been!
Throughout the War it was used as a teacher training college, eventually being vacated in 1947; but since then it has remained mostly empty and fallen into a state of disrepair. It is no longer open to the public and is on the Buildings at Risk Register. But there are plans to have it refurbished hopefully in the not too far distant future.
The gardens are classed as Grade 2 listed historical gardens - and the Parterre Garden is a fabulous example. This garden was commissioned by the 4th Earl, Charles Stanhope, for his wife; and William Barron had the task of creating it. As well as the parterre with fabulous topiary, he designed unusual rock features, a lake with waterways and open tree lined avenues offering glorious vistas into the surrounding countryside. Behind the Parterre Garden are parallel avenues all leading to the Golden Gates.
This is called The Crown Arch.
In the far corner of the park is the Old English Garden, Heritage Allotment area (for staff and volunteers only), and a water tower. The garden is full of traditional colourful cottage garden plants and seating areas to take a break and enjoy the surroundings.
The gardens are my favourite part of the estate.
There are other interesting buildings to look out for - such as the Moorish Temple, the boat house and water wheel.
Rockwork structures were added in the early 19th century and these certainly make for some interesting photographs.
The Lawned Terraces are still a feature today - overlooking the Lake.
As well as the formal gardens, you will find an Azalea garden which will be ablaze with colour in the spring; although there are rhododendrons throughout the park that will also flower in April and May.
There is an events field, cricket ground, riding centre, children's playground and a Showground which are all within the estate grounds; so there are so many places to have a picnic, play ball games or hide and seek in woods.
For those who have in interest in Wildlife, there is a Nature Reserve attached to the Park, with bird watching places, special trees to look out for, a butterfly and dragonfly area as well as wetland, reedbeds and a grassy meadow (Gretrick's Field). There are warning signs of snakes that might be basking in the sun - so keep a look out.
Look out for special events happening at the park - www.derbyshire.gov.uk/elvaston
Thank you,
Lynne
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