Monument record MDR5048 - Wingerworth Park (site of), Wingerworth

There is a reference to 'unum parcum' at Wingerworth in 1427. Field names from the 1848 Tithe Award include Pale Close and Park Gate, suggesting at least a general locality. (1, 2) A map of 1758 shows a park extending to the east and south-east of Wingerworth Hall. It is divided into four sections, 'Deer Park', 'Horse Park', 'Bushy Park' and 'Cow Paddock', and contains what appear to be several avenues of trees and nine separate ponds (one with an island). (3). The tithe map of 1834 no longer shows these four separate areas and there had clearly been modifications to the western boundaries of the park. (4) In 1753-54 William Baker of Audlem worked at Wingerworth and left a plan for laying out the park of 107 acres, but there is no evidence that the latter was proceeded with. The park, which was well stocked with deer, was also subject to a scheme for improvement by William Emes in 1777; some work may have been done this time, including the modest lake to the west. Later still, Humphrey Repton was commissioned to produce a Red Book for remodelling the park, which is dated 15 September 1788; again nothing seems to have been done, although the lodges he suggested at the west gate were built. (5)