Monument record 1332/2/3 - Wall Pool

Line of five rectangular pools running W-E to the N of Gawsworth Old Hall. Created in a natural valley and fed by a single spring and natural drainage from the surrounding fields. At their original extent the pools covered an area of 2.24ha & were part of the C16 garden design, although they may replace earlier medieval fishponds. The pools were designed to be viewed from the Watch Tower or Pigeon House (RN: 1332/2/9) situated at the E end and they are reduced in size from E to W, to give a perspective effect (1). As well as their ornamental function, the pools were used as fish tanks until C18 (2). Wall pool at the E end of the group is the largest (1).
The Gardens at Gawsworth Hall including the line of pools are a Scheduled Ancient Monument (5).

<1> Turner R C, 1986, The Gardens at Gawsworth Hall, /5 (Oral Communication). SCH3124.

<2> IPC Media, 1897-Present, Country Life, Aslet C 1986 (Newspaper-Magazine). SCH993.

<3> Various, Aerial photographs, NB 83 & 84 1953 Cambridge University Committee for Aerial Photography (Aerial Photograph). SCH128.

<4> English Heritage, 2001, Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest (Report). SCH2822.

<5> English Heritage, Various, Old/Original Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Description), 30386 (Scheduling Record). SCH4606.

<5> English Heritage, Various, Schedule Entry (Scheduled Ancient Monuments Amendment), 30386 (Scheduling Record). SCH2950.