Appuldurcombe, Isle of Wight, England

The following is from the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest:  

Remnant of C18 landscape park, at most extensive c.100ha, now in divided use and ownership. Three lodges with approach drives: (1) Freemantle Lodge (derelict), with Ionic archway and gates c.1780, 800m to north-north-west; (2) 350m to north-east; (3) 700m to south. A fourth lodge 100m to north of house, at intersection of approach drives from (1) and (2) above. The parkland at Appuldurcombe rises up from east-north-east to west-south-west, with the house roughly central in the estate. Woodland to south-west, and some belts of trees along parts of southern and eastern boundaries. Clumps and scattered mature trees in open parkland, much of which was returned to agriculture in later C20. Mature trees near to house, mainly round from west to north and east. Garden activity at Appuldurcombe uncertain before later C18, when Sir Richard Worsley 'landscaped' the park. Obelisk 1774 on high ground 600m to north-west, struck by lightning 1831, and remaining as tall, stepped cairn of shaped blocks. Capability Brown was called in by Sir Richard Worsley in 1779, and subsequently produced a plan for 'alterations of the Place'. Details uncertain. Sections of later C18 park wall remain, on south-west, north-west, north and north-east boundaries of estate. A Gothic eye-catcher, 'Cook's Castle', was built on St Martin's Down 1800m to east, but has gone. Ice-house, C18, among trees 250m to west. Ha-ha extending for 250m c.70m to south, south-west and west of house, constructed early C19. Circular basin with central fountain 1830s, 30m to east of house, and aligned on centre of east front.

Country Life, 19 Nov 1932, 568-572; 28 Dec 1967, 1692.

Journal of Garden History, II, 2, 1982, 46-47.

Boynton L O J, Appuldurcombe House, (guidebook) 1986.

Pevsner N, Lloyd D, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, 1967, 729-730.

Stroud D, Capability Brown, 1975, 215.