Introduction
There is an ancient moat (drained and planted with herbaceous plants) to the south and east, which is crossed by a medieval bridge. The grove was planted around 1700. The ponds were drained in stages between the 1760s and 1790s, and the Grove was turned into a shrubbery. Currently the lodge and wooded area remain on the main approach, and there is a lime avenue along the rear approach via Chester Lodge.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
- History
This medieval estate was the seat of the Bishops of Lichfield, and the earliest recorded castle dates from around the year 1200.
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Bridge, moat, walls, lodge
- Grade: II
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: Castle & Tower
- Grade: II*
Features
- House (featured building)
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Dry Moat
- Description: There is a moat (now drained and planted with herbs and shrubs) to the south and east.
- Pond
- Description: The ponds have been drained.
- Tree Avenue
- Description: Lime avenue.
- Icehouse
- Description: The remains of an icehouse, with brickwork removed to ground level.
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Survival
Part: standing remains
Open to the public
Yes
Civil Parish
Eccleshall
- References
References
- Pevsner, N. {The Buildings of England: Staffordshire} (Harmondsworth: Penguin,1974), p. 126. The Buildings of England: Staffordshire
- White, W. {A History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire} (Sheffield, 1851), ref: Right Rev J Lonsdale, Bishop of Lichfield A History, Gazetteer and Directory of Staffordshire
- Nightingale, J. 1810. {Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Stafford}, p. 922. Topographical and Historical Description of the County of Stafford
- Shaw, S. 1798. {History and Antiquities of Staffordshire}, p. 922. History and Antiquities of Staffordshire