DiCamillo Companion
England

Sheffield Park (Sheffield Place)

  • Garden & Outbuildings: Sheffield Park is mentioned in the "Domesday Book." In August of 1538 Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, entertained Henry VIII here. In the early 18th century the deer park was partially formalized by Lord De La Warr, who planted avenues of trees radiating from the house and cleared areas to establish lawns. In 1796 the Sheffield Estate was sold to John Holroyd, created 1st Lord Sheffield in 1781. By 1885 an arboretum was established, with both exotic and native trees. In 1876 the 3rd Earl of Sheffield laid out a cricket pitch at Sheffield Park. The pitch was used on May 12, 1884 for the first cricket match between England and Australia, which was won by the Australian team by an inning and six runs. During World War II the house and garden became the headquarters for a Canadian armored division and Nissen huts were built in the garden and woods. In 1954 the Sheffield Park Estate was sold by Captain Granville Soames, with the land being divided and split up into multiple smaller parcels. At the time of the 1954 sale the National Trust acquired only the 98-acre garden; however, in the early 21st century the trust was able to acquire 200 acres of the home park and reunite much of the original estate. The Sheffield Park garden is noted for its four lakes, the stream garden, bluebells and daffodils in spring, and for its autumnal color trees, including many black tupelos. It is home to the National Collection of Ghent Azaleas. The house was sold off separately from the garden in the 1954 sale and is now divided into multiple dwellings.

  • Architect: Humphry Repton

    Designed: Landscaping

    View all houses

    Architect: Lancelot Brown

    Date: 18th century
    Designed: Laid out grounds and landscaped garden

    View all houses

    Architect: Benjamin Henry Latrobe

    Date: Circa 1790
    Designed: Alterations to House for 1st Earl of Sheffield

    View all houses

    Architect: James Wyatt

    Date: Circa 1775-77
    Designed: Rebuilt House for 1st Earl of Sheffield.

    View all houses

    Architect: James Wyatt

    Date: Circa 1790
    Designed: Alterations to House in the Gothic style, particularly to the South Facade, for 1st Earl of Sheffield.

    View all houses
  • John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. IV, 1821.

  • Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
    Author: Colvin, Howard
    Year Published: 2008
    Reference: pgs. 635, 1182
    Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
    ISBN: 9780300125085
    Book Type: Hardback

    Title: National Trust Handbook 2002, The
    Author: Dittner, Liz (Editor)
    Year Published: 2002
    Publisher: London: The National Trust
    ISBN: NA
    Book Type: Softback

    Title: Times, The (London newspaper)
    Author: NA
    Year Published: NA
    Reference: Dec 2, 2001, pg. 16
    Publisher: London: Times Newspapers Ltd.
    ISBN: NA
    Book Type: Newspaper

  • House Listed: Grade I

    Park Listed: Grade I

  • "The Innocents" (1961 - as the house and grounds). "Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime" (1983 - TV series, in the episdoe "The Secret Adversary").
  • Past Seat / Home of: Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk, 16th century. Lieutenant-General John West, 1st Earl De La Warr, early 18th century. John Baker Holroyd, 1st Earl of Sheffield, 18th century. Arthur G. Soames, 20th century; Captain Granville Soames, mid-20th century.

    Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

    Ownership Details: The house is divided into private residences owned by a condo association. The grounds are owned and maintained by the National Trust. PLEASE NOTE: The contact info listed here is for the grounds only; the house is not open to the public.

  • House Open to Public: Grounds Only

    Phone: 01825-790-231

    Fax: 01825-791-264

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

    Historic Houses Member: No