Building record MDR2085 - Thornbridge Hall, Longstone Lane, Ashford-in-the-Water

Type and Period (2)

  • (Former Type) (Stuart to Victorian - 1700 AD to 1900 AD)
  • (Early 20th Century to 21st Century - 1901 AD to 2050 AD)

Protected Status/Designation

Full Description

A Georgian T-shaped house, extensively altered in 1871. The Neo-Tudor exterior was added in 1897. It is castellated with a tall asymmetrically placed tower. (1,2) Thornbridge Hall comprises a Grade II listed hall and stableblock, now combined and converted into an educational establishment. It has an 18th century core with 1871 additions. It was completely altered in 1897 by Charles Hadfield in a Neo-Tudor style. There were also 20th century additions. The building was constructed of coursed squared limestone with sandstone dressings and quoins. There are various re-used carvings from other country houses, which have been imported to the hall in around the 1930s. (3) When Mr George Jobson Marples purchased Thornbridge (circa 1898), it had practically only about 20 acres of parkland. Of the adjoining fields with their rough stone dividing walls, about 100 acres were purchased, the walls removed, plantations laid out, and ornamental lakes made, and an approach road from the Bakewell side was constructed. The garden on the south side of the Hall is laid out in two main terraces, the upper one being separated from the lower by a wall four feet high, which is clothed in evergreen creepers. Both these terraces are in grass and are intended for promenades for playing games. From the main promenade, a Dutch garden with lakes and cascades is seen whilst on the rising ground beyond many hundreds of large Rhododendrons and other shrubs are planted. The whole of the alterations in the park and garden were entrusted to Messrs J Backhouse and Son nurserymen of York. (4)

Sources/Archives (4)

  • <1> Bibliographic reference: Pevsner, N. 1979. The Buildings of England: Derbyshire. 2nd ed., revised. pp 339-340.
  • <2> Index: North Derbyshire Archaeological Trust (NDAT). North Derbyshire Archaeological Trust Index: 3711.
  • <3> Listed Building File: Historic England. 2011. The National Heritage List for England.
  • <4> Article in serial: Anon. 1898. 'Thornbridge Hall', The Gardener's Choice.

Map

Location

Grid reference Centred SK 1979 7092 (44m by 69m) (Centre)
Civil Parish ASHFORD IN THE WATER, DERBYSHIRE DALES, DERBYSHIRE

Related Monuments/Buildings (0)

Related Events/Activities (1)

  • EDR3994

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External Links (0)

Record last edited

Jun 22 2015 12:40PM

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