Hardwick Hall Country Park

For Hardwick Hall, Derbyshire, see Hardwick Hall.

Hardwick Hall County Park is a park located in County Durham near Sedgefield. It is registered with the Register of Parks and Gardens as a II* site, which indicates that a park is "of exceptional historic interest."

History

In medieval times, the lands which now comprise the park abutted the manor of Herdwyck.

The 18th century saw dramatic change: a new hall was built, and a new owner—a wealthy businessman from Tyneside named John Burdon—began to develop the grounds. Burdon enhanced the 17-acre (69,000 m²) ornamental lake on the south side of the hall by adding an artificial river leading to it and encircling it with a walkway. In all, he laid out 40 acres (160,000 m²) of additional ornamental features, including temples, grottoes and follies designed primarily by London architect James Paine. Although the grounds and buildings were not subsequently well maintained, the garden retains Pain's basic structure and is an unusual example of authentic 18th century landscape design.

County Durham had already begun to acquire parts of the grounds when in 1997 it determined to undertake the preservation of the whole park. A study commissioned in 1999 provided a detailed estimate of the expenses of restoration and also indicated the property's significance, leading the Register of Parks and Gardens to give it a II* rating. With assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the County purchased more of the grounds in 2001 and launched a restoration scheme to bring it all back to its former condition. The park now includes a visitor centre, cafe, toilets, exhibition, classroom and office.

Gallery

• Hardwick Hall Country Park P3240040.JPG
• Hardwick Hall Country Park P3290116.JPG
• Hardwick Hall Country Park P3290121.JPG
• Hardwick Hall Country Park P3290124.JPG

External links

• Hardwick Park, Durham County Council.