Capheaton Hall landscaped park, c.60ha; pleasure grounds c.14ha, mid to later 18th century. Wooded pleasure grounds crossed by paths. Lady's Walk runs through Park Strip, a strip of planting which forms the west boundary of the park. Sir Edward's Lake reached by paths from pleasure grounds. Sham ruin of stone chapel; cottage in form of tower. The formal layout with walled forecourt and garden enclosures was depicted by Peter Hartover in 1674. (1)

Tradition that Capability Brown was involved with the layout of the gardens immediately round the house and possibly also with the lake. A plan of the estate exists dated 1761 by Robert Marshall (MSS NRO.322 plan 6). (2)

The walled gardens, ornamental gates and fountains were designed by Trollope in 1688 and were painted by Robert Crosby. (3)

'There is a magnificent embowered walk from the hall to the lake'. Many fine tree specimens noted. (4)

Conservatory and garden wall (mid 19th century); ha-ha wall (mid 18th century probably by Capability Brown); folly ruin of a chapel (mid 18th century possibly by Brown); walled garden (18th century); gate piers (1688 by Robert Trollope); all grade II listed buildings. (5)

Additional bibliography. (6)

The 17th century house had a formal garden with a walled garden and long avenues in the French taste. They were landscaped c.1760 and a lake formed. The original gatepiers were moved at this time and now stand at the village entrance to the park. (7)

Landscape park to Capheaton Hall covering an area of 60 hectares. The grounds were laid out in 1674 when the house was built, and are shown on a painting of the same date as comprising formal gardens and formal walled gardens. Landscaping of the park took place during the 1760s. It is thought that it may have been the work of Lancelot Borwn, however there is no documentary evidence to support this. Major re-landscaping of the park also took place during the late 18th century. (8a)