Monument record 2274/2/0 - Marbury Park

<1> See map for surveyor, c.1837-51, Cheshire Tithe Maps and Awards, EDT 259/2 1843 (Maps and Plans). SCH3266.

The tithe map depicts an avenue of trees aligned north-south, and west of the drive, between the house and Marbury Lane. Two parallel avenues (aligned north-west to south-east) are located to the east of the house. Aligned at 90 degrees to these is a further avenue in Big Wood. A walled garden is depicted to the immediate south-east of the hall.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ6576 1880 (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

Surrounding the hall are gardens defined by geometric tree planting and paths. In this area there is a sub rectangular walled garden containing a summer house and three or four greenhouses. To the immediate north of the hall area a set of terraces leading down to the mere.

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1896-1898, Ordnance Survey First Revision County Series (Epoch 2) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ6576 1898 (Maps and Plans). SCH3848.

The map depicts a sluice and weir controlling the flow of water from the mere to Forge Brook. This may be associated with the construction downstream of a Forcing Station.

<4> Ordnance Survey, 1909-1912, Ordnance Survey Second Revision County Series (Epoch 3) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ6576 1910 (Maps and Plans). SCH4361.

To the south-west of the ice house (CHER 2274/2/1) is a summer house.

<5> Cheshire County Council, Unknown, Fact or Fiction? A walk in Marbury Country Park (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH1215.

The avenues of lime trees were planted in the 1840s as part of a John Nesfield designed parkland created to complement the new French style chateaux (see CHER 2274/1/0). A 'pinetum' or collection of exotic evergreens was planted at this time in the area between Gardener's Cottage and the walled garden. Big wood was also established at part of Nesfield's grand design. Within park woodland are some stone posts and steps associated with a regular shaped hollow. This may be the remains of a summer house or, by local tradition, a cock fighting pit. The mistress of James Hugh Smith Barry (1748-1801) is reputedly buried near the hall.

<6> Cheshire Gardens Trust, 2011 onwards, Research and Recording Report (Report). SCH6655.

Summary
18th c parkland and 19th c former garden areas of Marbury Hall, seat of the Smith Barry’s, with 20th c traces of a period as a Country Club and WWII military, and later, prisoner of war camp. The park has some late 20th century planting following its establishment as a country park, and a 21st century shelter, picnic area and portacabin accommodation for the rangers, volunteers and public toilets.
Principal remaining features
Gate piers and railings - shown on Stelfox’s plan of 1858
Ice House
Ice House pond
Slipway
Walled Garden
Terraced walk
Formal gardens - remains of
Steps
Avenues
Wood - Big Wood, Hopyards
Arboretum - area known as the Arboretum