Sandon Park, Stafford, England

There is a formal garden, surrounded by yew hedges, and with evidence (pillars and bed edgings) of a formal rose garden with a stone summerhouse (dating back to 1840). South of the formal garden, is an arboretum of trees.  This was planted in 1936, as a memorial. It was planted by representatives of allied and enemy servicemen, and represents 13 nations.

There was also a ribbon border adjacent to the terrace, and a circular flower garden known as 'the Amphitheatre'.  Both of these were grassed over after the cessation of World War I (1914-18).  A kitchen garden appears on an estate map dated 1802. It is now derelict, but its walls still stand.  Garden buildings have been converted to residences. 

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

A country house with extensive gardens and pleasure grounds set in a landscape park. Among the designers documented at work are William Emes (1778-87), John Webb (around 1800) and W A Nesfield (around 1850).

LOCATION, AREA, BOUNDARIES, LANDFORM, SETTING

Sandon Park lies in the Upper Trent Valley, 6km north-east of Stafford and immediately south-east of the village of Sandon. The long south-west boundary of the park runs alongside the A51 Stafford to Lichfield road. To the west the boundary is in part School Lane, leading to Sandon church. Otherwise the park boundary largely follows field edges. The registered area is around 230 hectares.

REFERENCES Used by English Heritage

Sandon Park Restoration Plan, (Chris Burnett Associates and Janette Ray 1993)

Maps

OS 6" to 1 mile: 2nd edition published 1900

OS 25" to 1 mile: 1st edition published 1881  

Description written: 1997

Edited: September 1999