Summerhill Park, Bath, England
Record Id: 3181
The small estate around what came to be known as Summerhill was laid out probably in the mid-18th century. It was bought early in the 19th century by Dr. Caleb Hillier Parry, comprising at that time about 11 acres of land. He had the house enlarged around 1808, and added land to the estate, which then amounted to some 30 acres. One of his sons was the famous navigator, E. Parry.
The house and estate were bought in 1868 by R.S. Blaine, and further enlarged. He died in 1898. The estate was then purchased by the Cook family, and remained in their hands until 1956. The old house was demolished in the early-20th century, and was replaced by a building brought stone by stone from Chippenham High Street. This building was erected on the western end of the buildings of Sion Hill Place in 1917.
Some 30 acres of the estate were purchased by Kingswood School in 1956. Since then, there have been repeated efforts to build on parts of the land as Bath has expanded.
Site timeline
1900 to 1933: The old house was demolished and replaced.
1956: Some 30 acres of the estate were purchased by Kingswood School.
People associated with this site
Builder: John Wood the Elder (born 1704 died 23/05/1754)
Features
gate
There is a pair of heavy iron ornamental gates between latticework iron piers with anthemion motifs and small urn finials. This was originally the main entrance to Summerhill Park.
Designation status: English Heritage Listed Building Designation Grade II
terrace
Commanding impressive views over Summerhill Park and much of the City of Bath, the terrace and balustrading of the old house have been retained as a garden feature. Some of the balustrading is now collapsed. There is a picture of the old house in the Bath and County Graphic (January 1898).
kitchen garden
This large kitchen garden, with elaborate walls and gateways, is still in cultivation.
© Copyright Parks and Gardens Data Services Ltd. 2007