DiCamillo Companion
England

Brocklesby Park (Brocklesby Hall)

  • Collections: Sir Richard Worsley (1751-1805) was British ambassador in Venice in the late 18th century. In that role he was Sir William Hamilton's diplomatic counterpart in Venice (Hamilton was ambassador to Naples). Circa 1791, Sir Richard purchased most of Sir William's second collection of antique gems. Sir Richard then published "Museum Worsleyanum" in 1798-1802. This folio publication illustrated not only Sir Richard's collection of antique gems, but also his collections of antique bas reliefs (see "Images" section), busts, statues, and drawings of the sculptures of the Parthenon by William Pars. The text, in English and Italian, was largely written by E.Q. Visconti (1751-1818). Sir Richard died in 1805 and his collection, together with his house (Appuldurcombe on the Isle of Wight) and all its contents, was inherited by his niece, Miss Simpson. Miss Simpson later married the 1st Earl of Yarborough, and, through her, Sir Richard's collection came to Brocklesby Park. At Brocklesby Sir Richard's collection of antique gems was joined by antiquities previously collected by the 1st Baron Yarborough. Virtually all of the antique gems have been sold from Brocklesby, though other remnants of the collection remain today.

  • Garden & Outbuildings: Capability Brown laid out the Park, circa 1771. The 1st Earl of Yarborough commissioned James Wyatt to design the Mausoleum for his wife, who died at the age of 33. The result, built 1787-92, and based on the Temple of Vesta at Tivoli, is considered Wyatt's masterpiece (see "Images" section). Wyatt may also have designed the Arabella Aufrere Temple, a circa 1787 Grade II*-listed garden temple "Dedicated by veneration and affection to the memory of Arabella Aufrere." Also of note are Wyattville's Newsham Lodge, Newsham Bridge, and the huge Memorial Arch (Brigg Gate), a memorial to Charles Anderson Worsley, 2nd Earl of Yarborough (see "Images" section). The Stableblock clock was made circa 1720 by John Harrison, who, in the early 18th century, created the most accurate clock in the world. The clock helped mariners find their position in the seas and eventually won Harrison the money promised for the winner of the famous Longitude Prize. Harrison's clock was revolutionary because it wasn’t subject to temperature changes and didn’t need lubrication. The proof of his success is that, almost 300 years later, the clock in the Brocklesby Stableblock tower has never been lubricated and is remarkably accurate.

  • Architect: James Wyatt

    Date: Circa 1787
    Designed: Arabella Aufrere Temple
    (Attribution of this work is uncertain)
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    Architect: Reginald Theodore Blomfield

    Date: 1890s
    Designed: Restored House after fire

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    Architect: Claud Phillimore

    Date: 20th century
    Designed: Reduced House and restored and reconstructed some interiors

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    Architect: William Burn

    Date: 1868
    Designed: Alterations and additions for 3rd Earl of Yarborough (reconstructed after 1898 fire; partly demolished circa 1955).

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    Architect: Jeffry Wyatville (Wyattville) (Wyatt)

    Date: Circa 1815
    Designed: Newsham Lodge, Newsham Bridge, and the Memorial Arch.

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    Architect: James Wyatt

    Date: 1787-92
    Designed: Mausoleum for 1st Earl of Yarborough

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    Architect: Lancelot Brown

    Date: 1771-72
    Designed: Park (1771) and East Hall (1772)

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  • John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. I, p. 71, 1854.

    Country Life: LXXV, 192, 218, 254 [Pictures], 1934.

  • Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
    Author: Colvin, Howard
    Year Published: 1995
    Reference: pg. 192
    Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
    ISBN: 0300072074
    Book Type: Softback

    Title: Lincolnshire Country Houses and their Families, Part Two
    Author: Leach, Terence R.
    Year Published: 1991
    Reference: pgs. 144-145
    Publisher: Lincolnshire: Laece Books
    ISBN: 0950080365
    Book Type: Softback

    Title: Vases and Volcanoes: Sir William Hamilton and His Collection
    Author: Jenkins, Ian; Sloan, Kim
    Year Published: 1996
    Reference: pgs. 45, 101, 102, 103, 207
    Publisher: London: British Museum Press
    ISBN: 0714117668
    Book Type: Softback

    Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
    Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
    Year Published: 1990
    Reference: pg. P 1292
    Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
    ISBN: 0312046405
    Book Type: Hardback

    Title: Follies and Pleasure Pavilions
    Author: Mott, George; Aall, Sally Sample
    Year Published: 1989
    Publisher: New York: Harry N. Abrams, Inc.
    ISBN: 0810911752
    Book Type: Hardback

  • House Listed: Grade I

    Park Listed: Grade I

  • Current Seat / Home of: Charles John Pelham, 8th Earl of Yarborough.

    Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

  • House Open to Public: No

    Phone: 01469-560-214

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: http://www.brocklesby.co.uk

    Historic Houses Member: No