Building record 1404/5/2 - Ice House in Alderley Park

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Summary

Grade II listed Ice House outside the west wall of the garden at Alderley Park. It was built in the 19th century for Sir J.T. Stanley. It is egg-shapped with tunnel entrance and earth mound. It is situated near the Italian Water Garden, which presumably supplied the ice. There is no public access to this site. For a long time, there were few ways of preserving food other than salting and pickling. From the 17th century, the idea of an Ice House was introduced to large estates. They were structures built to house blocks of ice to prevent them from melting. They were well insulated and partly underground. The ice was obtained from ponds and lakes frozen in the winter months. Sometimes fields were deliberately flooded by farmers to provide extra income.

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Full Description

<1> English Heritage, 2005, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest, 58308 (Digital Archive). SCH4666.

An early to mid 19th century icehouse, with some 20th century repairs, built for Sir J T Stanley. Brick with a semi-circular headed entrance which has a stone coping above. This leads into a long brick barrel vaulted passage which opens into a deeper circular chamber with a brick domed roof.

<2> Laurie I C, 1986, Ice Houses of Cheshire, p.9 (Booklet-Leaflet). SCH3178.

Situated 25m south-west of the Italian Water Garden, just outside the wall and 250m from the site of the former Hall. Presumably the water basin supplied the ice. Egg-shapped with tunnel entrance and earth mound. Good condition. No public access.

<3> Laurie I C, 1986, Parks & Gardens of the Cheshire Peaks & Plains, p.13 (Book). SCH2589.

Just outside the water garden is an ice house which has recently been restored.

Sources/Archives (3)

  • <1> Digital Archive: English Heritage. 2005. List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest. 58308.
  • <2> Booklet-Leaflet: Laurie I C. 1986. Ice Houses of Cheshire. p.9.
  • <3> Book: Laurie I C. 1986. Parks & Gardens of the Cheshire Peaks & Plains. p.13.

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Location

Grid reference Centred SJ 844 748 (5m by 8m) (2 map features)
Map sheet SJ87SW
Civil Parish NETHER ALDERLEY, MACCLESFIELD, CHESHIRE EAST
Historic Township/Parish/County NETHER ALDERLEY, ALDERLEY, CHESHIRE

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Record last edited

Aug 9 2023 5:39PM