Durham County Council Review of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Local Interest Burnhopeside Hall

Burnhopeside Hall

Grid Reference NZ186461 Date February 2017 Author Fiona Green

Planning Status Not previously identified in local plans Not within Conservation Area

Site Designations Burnhopeside Hall and Farm Buildings Grade II* List Entry Number 1299442 Ancient Woodland to south of hall (out of study area)

History 18th-century house altered early 19th-century for (1779-1843) designer of the Puffing Billy. Burnhopeside Hall has a high listing evaluation due to its historical connection with William Hedley who worked for the Colliery 1813-1815 with , the foreman smith; Jonathan Foster, the Wright and , the owner of the colliery. The hall is said to have similarities to John Dobson's house in Newcastle (Pevsner 1985 ed.) but is not confirmed as a commission (Faulkner & Greg 2001). There are planned farm buildings adjacent to the hall.

Description Burnhopeside Hall is sheltered from the west by a shelter belt which is shown on the 1869 OS. The wooded pleasure grounds are divided by walks. A lawn is shown south of the hall planted with orchard trees. Another orchard is marked east of the drive. Two ranges of farm buildings are shown east of the hall. The railway is screened from view by a belt of trees planted along the river. The 1898 OS shows the addition of a walled garden with glasshouse and lawns opened out to the south and west. Circular clumps of trees have also been introduced in the north and west sections of the park. Specimen trees survive in the pleasure gardens.

Recommendation Add to List of Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Local Interest

Durham County Council Review of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Local Interest Burnhopeside Hall

Significance Factor Commentary Interest Local Regional National International Age Post Medieval 1540 - 1900 Y

Aesthetic Value Good example of a small, landscaped 19th century estate. Y

Landscape or Horticultural Small 19th parkland with gardens and woodland plantations. Y Interest

Designer Possible input from John Dobson architect and landscaper Y

Group Value Burnhopeside Hall and Farm Buildings Grade II* Y

Rarity Of local interest Y

Historic Interest House improved by industrialists house with parkland and Y gardens

Historical Association William Hedley. See also Beech Grove Farm, Newfield House (The Y Ford), Lanchester, Woodlands Hall, Lanchester

Social and Communal Value Of local interest Y

Evidential Value Poor N

Overall significance The parkland and gardens at Burnhopeside Hall form a significant Y setting with surviving structure planting, ornamental trees and a walled garden and in conjunction with the prominence of the former owner William Hedley are of local historic interest.

Durham County Council Review of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Local Interest Burnhopeside Hall

Background Information

Location, Area, Boundaries, Landform, Setting

Entrances and approaches Entrance from the Durham/Lanchester road into the north of the estate.

Principal Buildings Burnhopeside Hall and planned farm buildings.

Gardens & Pleasure Grounds To the west and south of the hall.

Park Parkland to east, west and south of the hall.

Kitchen Garden Large walled garden built during the mid 19th century.

References Printed material Faulkner and Greg (2001) John Dobson Architect of the North East Pevsner et al (1985) The Buildings of - County Durham Online references Puffing Billy - National Railway Museum

Historic Landscape Country house (manor/estate); Designed parkland Characterisation

Further Research Not required as part of this research