Monument record 830/3/0 - Vale Royal Park

<1> Chester Archaeological Society, Journal of the Chester Archaeological Society, McNeil R & Turner R C 1988 70/72 (Journal/Periodical). SCH1595.

Park shown on estate map of 1616 as complex of gardens, orchards and small wooded parks forming at least 8 enclosures, some walled and some divided by canals. Swept away in 1770s by changes in landscaping by Thomas & Dorothy Cholmondeley. New trees planted, a tree nursery was started & seeds of exotic trees collected. Planted a clump of trees in 1772 around the Nun's grave to mark the position of the high altar, a planting which survived until recently. Grounds extended by purchase of the New Park in 1814 which is now the Sandiway Golf Club. A drive & an avenue were made by John Webb, but have nearly all been swept away except for a ha-ha (Rn:830/3/3). Garden redesigned in 1915 by L.Rome Guthrie - overgrown woodland garden survives in the stream gorge running down to the weaver. Since then the gardens have been divided between 3 houses and the park returned to farmland.

<2> North West Landscape Group, 1985, Historic Parks and Gardens in Cheshire, R2124 (Report). SCH1367.

Majestic curved Beech & Lime avenue approach through extensive farmed parkland.

<3> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1995, Vale Royal Golf Course, Cheshire: Phase 1 Archaeological Evaluation Interim Report, R2124 (Client Report). SCH4087.

Dorothy and Thomas Cholmondeley undertook a concerted effort of tree planting in the grounds of Vale Royal Park in the late 18th century. In 1772 they planted 2,500 elm, fir and beech trees in lines between the stables and the house. In 1773 they planted a clump of trees around the Nun's Grave. In 1776-7 they planted elms on the island in Rookery Pool and a plantation of trees by Whitegate Church and by the entrance walk into Vale Royal. More substantial alterations to the landscape were undertaken in the 19th century and were documented by Henrietta Cholmondeley. In 1813 a fishing house was built on Petty Pool. In 1828 new stables were constructed and the old ones converted into a coach house. In 1841 Monkey Lodge was built. John Webb was commissioned to build a new drive connecting this lodge to the Round Tower and a new driveway to the house. The ha ha is evident on a photograph dating to 1967.

<4> Lancaster University Archaeological Unit, 1996, Report on Geophysical survey Vale Royal Golf Course (Unpublished Report). SCH2845.