Introduction
The hall is late-medieval in origin, with 16th and 18th century work and early-19th century alterations. The building was converted to apartments around 1980. The parkland is in good condition, with many mature trees. There is an avenue of cedars to the lodges, a church and water tower feature as eyecatchers. The kitchen garden is derelict. Although the site is not open to the public in the general sense, pre-booked group tours can be arranged.
There was a geometric parterre to the north-west, which is now a simple oval of grass. The orangery to north was designed by James Stuart around 1760. Due to the similarity with the orangery at Ingestre, it has also been attributed to Samuel Wyatt.
The pleasure grounds are surrounded by a substantial ha-ha, finished with purple red bricks. To the north and east the plantings are extended to screen the view of a large reservoir created in the 1950s.
The parkland is in good condition, with many mature trees. There is an avenue of cedars to the lodges, a church and water tower feature as eyecatchers. The kitchen garden is derelict.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
Owners
The Bagot family
Blithfield Hall, WS15 3NLOther Websites
- History
Period
Tudor (1485-1603)
- Associated People
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: bridge, ha-ha, sundial, icehouse, orangery, lodges
- Grade: II
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Hall
- Grade: I
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: main gateway & flanking walls
- Grade: II*
Features
- Kitchen Garden
- Orangery
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Lake
- Description: Reservoir.
- Ha-ha
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
Tudor (1485-1603)
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Blithfield
- References
References
- Pevsner, N. {The Buildings of England: Staffordshire} (Harmondsworth: Penguin, 1974), p.72-4. The Buildings of England: Staffordshire
- Allen, M. 1970. {Fisons Guide to Gardens in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales}, pp.264-265 Fisons Guide to Gardens in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales
- White, W. 1851. {A History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire} A History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire
- White, W. {A History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire} (Sheffield, 1851), ref: Lord Bagot. A History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire
- Plot, R. {The Natural History of Staffordshire} (Oxford: The Theatre, 1686),p225. The Natural History of Staffordshire
- Pitt, W. 1796. {A General View of the Agriculture of the County of Stafford ith observations on the means of its improvement}, p92. General View of the Agriculture of the County of Stafford with observations on the means of its improvement
- Nightingale, J. 1810. {Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Stafford}, pp.733, 877. Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Stafford