Durham County Council Review of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Local Interest Stanhope High House Park

Stanhope High House Park

Grid Reference NY 980415 Date September 2017 Author Fiona Green

Planning Status Not previously identified in a local plan as Historic Park and Garden Not within Conservation Area

Site Designations Site of Ancient Woodland on south east boundary

History High House Park may have belonged to Stanhope Castle (Grade II* List entry Number 1231718) Estate or Stanhope Hall (Grade II* List Entry Number 1277202), the seat of the Featherstonehaugh family. A sheep fold is noted on the Durham HER (D63379). Another large walled structure encircling High House may have been a gathering pen. The park is currently used as a sporting estate and farmland.

Description The 1869 OS shows the boundary of the park as clearly defined by Park Plantation along the north and west edge. The east edge is bordered by Stanhope Burn Wood. Clints Plantation forms the south boundary of the area marked High House Park although the park appears to extend further south beyond copses marked Fiddle Plantation and Spring Plantation, These may have been planted for game or as screening for industrial activities on waggonways and lead mine shafts. The landscape on the east side of the park is dominated by Lanehead Quarry. The east boundary changes to a road leading to Noah's Ark Quarry. Allerton Burn crosses the southern end of the park which also includes Greenfoot Plantations and Square Plantation. There is little change on subsequent OS maps apart from the gradual disuse of quarries and lead mines.

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 Stanhope High House Park

Significance Factor Commentary Interest Local Regional National International Age Post Medieval 1541 -1900 Y

Aesthetic Value High Y

Landscape or Horticultural Note post medieval hunting park, not deer park. Enclosure of Y Interest sporting estate. Reclamation of land following lead mining and quarrying.

Designer N/A N

Group Value Gilmonby Moor, County Durham and Holwick Fell, County Y Durham are both sites of shooting boxes on post medieval shooting estates. No Shooting boxes noted at High House Park.

Rarity Of local interest Y

Historic Interest May be associated with Stanhope Castle Estate or Stanhope Hall. Y

Historical Association Sporting estate Y

Social and Communal Value Significant feature in the landscape Y

Evidential Value Poor Y

Overall significance High Stanhope Park is used for sport and agriculture and is not a Y designed landscape.

Durham County Council Review of Historic Parks, Gardens and Designed Landscapes of Local Interest Stanhope High House Park

Background Information

Location, Area, Boundaries, Landform, Setting

Entrances and approaches Numerous tracks and lanes, many relating to industrial routes.

Principal Buildings High House, not listed

Gardens & Pleasure Grounds None

Park Sporting estate

Kitchen Garden None

Other Land None

References None

Historic Landscape Designed parkland Characterisation

Further Research Further research on history and design