PUBLIC PLACES
We have an area East vista from the front of the house
mentioned earlier, the swans suffer badly. Squirrel control is also essential as there is much tree damage. There are no real disease problems now that the rhododendron issue has been dealt with. There has, however, been a small amount of Ash Dieback. Next we spoke about the importance of ecology and the environment. “This is huge,” says Paul. “We are stewards for this wonderful environment. Conservation is so important”.
As you would expect, a very detailed environmental policy is in place and regular contact is maintained with the Environment Agency. The trust employs environmental specialists who are on hand to provide help and advice.
Ever aware of pollution prevention and legislative compliance, Paul has a recycling wash system on his wish list. Furthering conservation, they also produce their own compost in a traditional three bay system.
Nostell Priory – A Brief History
Nostell Priory, one of the great houses in northern England, with its three hundred acres of parkland including two lakes and forty acres of gardens, is situated adjacent to the A638; the Doncaster to Wakefield Turnpike Road in years gone by. This fashionable Palladian house is considered by many to be an 18th-century architectural masterpiece. It is also believed that it is the only house, now belonging to the National Trust, that was able to boast a menagerie, created in 1743.
The present house, built by James Paine for the Winn family, dates from 1733 and was erected on the site of a medieval priory. (Charles added ‘Priory’ onto the name in the 19th century, as a recognition of the historical origins of the site. The treasure house, gardens and parkland that so many visitors enjoy today are known as ‘Nostell’). The house was designed to be more than a home but one that would demonstrate status. Much of the house was constructed through two generations of Winn’s and, despite massive costs, the results were spectacular.
Paul tells me that they are working towards the National Trust L.O.N. programme. No, I didn’t know either! It stands for Land, Outdoor & Nature. Work includes assessing key species and habitats on site, enlarging habitats and improving them and providing extra habitats for new species. Paul has just finished writing an Estate Management Plan to help achieve these goals.
What about the state of our industry? Slowly moving forward would be the feeling. Paul believes that the work they do is undervalued and that more investment should be forthcoming to provide education. To raise their profile is difficult. “We have an area gardens consultant who feeds back information and concerns to head office,” says Paul. “We all need to shout up!” To stay informed, magazines are read and occasional attendance at trade shows; workloads permitting!
Following the death of Rowland Winn (4th Baronet) in 1765 and Rowland Winn (5th Baronet) inheriting Nostell Priory in 1765 at the age of 26, changes occurred. It seems he did not wish James Paine to continue working on the house but gave the work to the budding Robert Adam whose fame was increasing. Adam commenced work on the house in 1766 and created a number of splendid rooms over a ten year period. Working alongside Adam were the cabinet maker Thomas Chippendale (over one hundred of his pieces remain in the house today), plasterer Joseph Rose the Younger and painter Antonio Zucchi. In 1785 the 5th Baronet was killed in a carriage accident on the road to London and work on the house was immediately stopped. Vast sums of money were owed to Adam, Chippendale and Zucchi and the building project was left incomplete. A plan by Adam for four new wings had got no further than the empty shell of one.
The baronetcy died out and Nostell was eventually inherited in 1817 by Rowland and Sabine’s grandson, Charles Winn. Winn had part of the house redecorated, but he had neither the money nor interest to complete the major building plans of the previous century – indeed he thought Nostell
gardens consultant who feeds back information and concerns to head office. We all need to shout up!
”
In conclusion, it seems that Paul and his team are very committed, care passionately about their work and have a vision of what Nostell can aspire to. It is also evident that the work at Nostell is appreciated by visitors; a quick look at Trip Advisor confirms Nostell’s growing popularity with very good reviews. Little wonder that the café is to be relocated to larger premises in the stable yard to cope with demand!
All images David Mears unless otherwise stated.
Our thanks to the National Trust for providing some of the images and certain historic information
For more information about Nostell visit
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/nostell
“overgrown” and a “burden”. Financial challenges continued for the Winn’s but fortunes were revived thanks to coal on the estate and the growth of the steel industry in Scunthorpe along with discovery of ironstone on another Winn estate. Rowland (Charles Winn’s son) who inherited in 1874 invested carrying out repairs and refurbishments to the house. In many ways this time marked the point Nostell finally fulfilled its original purpose. As well as being a successful businessman, Rowland Winn was a major player in the Conservative Party, rising from M.P. to Chief Whip. The house played an important role in supporting his career, playing host to everything from mass political rallies to more intimate weekends with guests of influence and status. In 1885 he was made 1st Baron St Oswald (named after the saint to whom the original Nostell Priory had been dedicated). The dream of the 18th century Winn’s had been realised.
In 1953, the house was given to the National Trust, with full management taken over from the family in 1997. From a chequered past defined by exclusivity and money, Nostell is now a place of wonder and enjoyment for everyone.
PC February/March 2020
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