Building record 1938/3/3 - Gardens at The Old Hall

<1> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 55462 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Memorial to a dog: probably eighteenth century. Large rectangular grey sandstone slab set upright in a buff sandstone surround on which there is a carved statue of a reclining spaniel (now rather worn). The grey slab carries a remarkably long inscription in small but well-cut copperplate script. The stone is becoming worn, so details of the text could not be properly recorded.

<2> Cheshire Gardens Trust, 2011 onwards, Research and Recording Report, Christleton Old Hall (Report). SCH6655.

The extent of the original gardens may have encompassed the triangle of land between Birch Heath Lane and Little Heath Road. Circa 1709, Henry Prescott described the Old Hall as "…an elegant dwelling house and beautiful garden…". The same source suggests that brick making was taking place here too, possibly utilising a nearby pit for clay.

The 1874 Ordnance Survey map (see 3) depicts the layout of the gardens to the rear of the house. It depicts a path straight down the middle lined with trees, including conifers, and shrubs. There are more trees and shrubs along the south side of the garden and at the bottom. The hatching along the eastern end of the garden suggests a slope down into the field beyond. At the front of the house there is a formal driveway with turning space for carriages. The area around the driveway has been planted and a sundial is depicted. Set against the front boundary wall in the north-west corner are glass structures suggesting cold frames or greenhouses.
The garden area to the east of the outhouses is clearly marked as orchard.

Two houses were built in the garden area to the north of the old hall in the 1970s. In 2002 a black mulberry tree which stood in front of the house was felled. It was estimated to be 200-250 years old. The sundial was moved to the Manor House opposite in 2005. For full description see (5).

<3> Ordnance Survey, 1871-1882, Ordnance Survey County Series (Epoch 1) 25 inch to 1 mile - Cheshire, SJ4465, 1874 (Maps and Plans). SCH2462.

<4> Various, Various, Cheshire Life, Guest-Williams, A.A. 1948, Christleton Old Hall no.11 p.14-15 (Journal/Periodical). SCH837.

Behind the house there is a lawn that may have been an archery court. It slopes gently to the east between Yew, Oak, Ash and Acacia trees with rhododendrons behind on either side, and Golden Elms, cypresses, a cedar and Magnolia beyond.

<5> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 55479 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

Eighteenth century column and nineteenth century cap. Two shades of red sandstone. Plain column on a moulded plinth has an egg and dart cornice. Large cubic capstone, with gnomons on three vertical faces, surmounted by a ball finial. Originally stood in the garden of the Old Hall across the road. On moving the supporting column was shortened somewhat. Note: now delisted.