Monument record 8043/0/7 - Grove Next to Bridge c.100m South of Finedon Hall

A number of garden features have been identified in this part of the park. They have been dated to the later 19th century

{2} Grove situated in grounds of Finedon Hall c. 100m south of it.

{3} During trial trench evaluation of part of the former gardens a number of garden features, possibly of 18th century date and likely to have been associated with the grove, were identified. These included a stone structure interpreted as a grotto, with an arched opening and curved roof. Flanking the western edge of the pond was a series of artificial stone 'ruins' and further to the west was a set of stone steps (or possibly an ornamental bridge) aligned on a circle of yew trees.

{4} Elements of this part of the garden, such as 'The Chain Walk' and circular planting beds were present by 1877. By the time of the First Edition Ordnance Survey map of 1884 the irregular pool associated with the rockery/grotto is present. The Chain Walk and circular beds are also depicted and thus it appears that the water feature and stonework were therefore created between 1877 and 1884.
The rockery/grotto and pool lie at the foot of a natural slope to the south of the hall and are hidden
from it partly due to this topographic situation and partly due to the planting around it.

The shape of the rockwork structure is difficult to describe since it was created in such a way as to appear as natural as possible and therefore it is best observed in plan form such as is shown on the 1884 Ordnance Survey map. This shows the irregular outline of the pool of water which it surrounds but does not indicate the extent of the stonework. The latter is artfully contrived to appear as though it represents natural outcrops and includes small caves with winding paths linking the separate elements although now it is not possible to discern its full extent due to overgrowth.

To the west of the rockery/grotto is a circular feature now called the Yew Circle. It comprises a
slight, circular, mound with a flat top and on the east and west sides a shallow ditch-like feature.
Around the upper circumference of the mound is planted a circle of yews. This appears to
be the remains of the circular planting bed shown on maps and photographs located closest to the
linear Chain Walk. Its present configuration dates to the period 1912-26, based upon the clear
depictions in maps of those dates.

What is a little curious is the apparent total removal of the larger of the two raised beds by 1912
which appears in the views to have had three tiers rising in a wedding cake fashion to a central urn.
However, the lower of the two beds is the one which survives today, re-made as the yew-circle and
its size and flat-topped configuration fits well with the images and maps. The exact date of the
planting cannot be determined but must have taken place between 1912 and 1926.

<2> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 7/1 (checked) (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<3> Trimble, R., 2014, Land off Mackworth Drive, Finedon Hall, Finedon, Northamptonshire: Archaeological Trial Trench Evaluation, 2014 (Report). SNN110657.

<4> Prentice, J and Walker, C., 2015, A group of nineteenth-century garden features formerly belonging to Finedon Hall, Northamptonshire: A Heritage Asset Survey, 2015 (Report). SNN110658.

<5> 1877, Map of Estate of Mrs Mackworth-Dolben (Map). SNN110659.

Record last edited

Jun 27 2017 9:39AM