Brodsworth Hall and Garden

South side- Summer house in distance

This hall was different from those we’ve visited in the past as it was built in 1860 so was very modern. Most Victorian Halls were built to impress and this one was no exception.  These country houses took up to 50 servants to run.  As times changed and new opportunities arose for people after WWI and WWII, it became harder to find the necessary domestic help needed to run these houses. This house had sections slowly closed off as the family numbers and servant numbers declined.

Main entrance in background and main stairs

 Many of the big houses had the paintings and furnishings sold off to pay for upkeep or taxes.  Brodsworth was different.  The rooms were closed with the furniture and furnishings still there. The final family member to live there was one women until 1988. After her death, her daughter gave the Hall and gardens to English Heritage. English Heritage then bought the furnishings for 3.5 million pounds or about 5.25 million dollars. They then left the house as it was at the time of her death. It is fascinating to see what rooms were still used and what were just closed off.

Parlor off entry- the pillars seemed to take up too much room.

Main hall leading from entrance to the Library in background.
Hall ways were used by Victorians as indoor excercise areas for walking.
That is why they are heavily decorated and have seating areas.

View of House from the summer house. Rock garden on left and contourted evergreens beyond path.

The gardens are unusual as they were mostly contoured evergreens. There is an extensive rose garden, fern garden, as well as a pet cemetery, archery range, rock garden, croquet lawn, and fountain garden.


Fern Grotto gravel in bottom is supposed to look like water.
 

Rose Garden

 

Eye catcher is found at the end of the Archer range. Not a structure, but just designed to attract your attention.