Information for record number MWA7331:
Dunchurch Lodge and Gardens, Dunchurch

Summary Dunchurch Gardens are early 20th century Gardens and pleasure grounds laid out by Thomas H Mawson to accompany an early 20th century country house.
What Is It?  
Type: Formal Garden, Kitchen Garden, Drive, Landscape Park, Garden Terrace, Walk, Lake, Rose Garden, Pool
Period: Modern - Modern (1908 AD - 2050 AD)
Where Is It?  
Parish: Dunchurch
District: Rugby, Warwickshire
Grid Reference: SP 48 71
(Data represented on this map shows the current selected record as a single point, this is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent an accurate or complete representation of archaeological sites or features)
Level of Protection National - Old SMR PrefRef (Grade: )
Registered Park or Garden (Grade: II)
Sites & Monuments Record
Picture(s) attached

  
Description

  
Source Number  

1
2 Dunchurch Lodge is situated 500m west of the village of Dunchurch and the 12 heactre site comprises 2 heactres of formal terraces and walled gardens, 6 heactres of pleasure grounds and 4 heactres of paddocks. Dunchurch Lodge's entrance is flanked by quadrant lawns separated from the road by chains supported on wooden posts, behind which stand concave brick wing walls 1.25m high. These terminate in brick piers surmounted by ball finials which support a pair of wrought-iron gates. Within the site stands a pair of brick Lodges. The tarmac drive follows a straight course south-east for 100m, before sweeping gently south-south-east for 130m to reach a pair of 19th century wrought-iron gates which lead to Vicarage Lane. To the south-east of Vicarage Lane the drive enters the grounds immediately adjoining the house through a pair of elaborate early 20th century wrought-iron gates with an ornamental overthrow, which are supported by stone piers ornamented with carved swags and vase finials. The piers terminate low, stone, concave wing walls which stand behind quadrant lawns. Proceeding on a level, straight course the drive passes south-east through a double avenue of limes for 130m to reach the north-east facade of the stable court which stands to the south-west of the drive. Beyond the stables the drive drops gently and sweeps east and south-east through banks of mature shrubbery and specimen trees to reach the carriage court to the north-east of the house. The carriage court is enclosed to the east, south-east and south by low brick walls with stone balustrades and coping, and to the north-west by the single-storey brick and stone dining room which was built in 1950. Openings to the south and east lead to steps which descend to the garden terraces, while a further opening to the north-east leads to semicircular steps which descend to an avenue extending c 130m north-east. From the stables a service drive descends south-west to reach the north side of the walled garden, with a spur leading south to the kitchen court. PRINCIPAL BUILDING Dunchurch Lodge stands on a level terrace, below and to the south-east of which the ground falls sharply revealing views across the gardens and surrounding country. gardenS AND PLEASURE GROUNDS The formal terraced gardens lie to the south and west of the house, with further informal pleasure grounds on the south- and south-east-facing slope below. The upper terrace extends to the full width of the house, and is enclosed to the east, south and west by stone balustrades. A wide flagged walk flanked by grass panels runs the length of the terrace, with a similar walk leading to the garden door. At the east and west ends of the flagged walk, stone steps descend to wing terraces which are retained by low brick walls, and which connect to east and west with walks which skirt the lower terraces to reach the pleasure grounds below. The east terrace is planted to the north with box-edged rose beds, and is aligned to the east on a circular flagged 'Sun Dial Court'. Enclosed by low box hedges and mature Japanese maples, the Sun Dial Court contains an early 20th century 'Helio-chronometer' set on a fluted stone column ornamented with carved swags which stands on a double stepped circular stone base. The western wing terrace is enclosed to the north by a high brick wall which separates the terraces from the gardens to the west of the house. Centrally placed stone steps descend from the upper terrace to a flagged landing on a narrow grass terrace which connects at its eastern end with a walk which ascends to the Sun Dial Court. To the west of the house, and entered through the pierced wooden door leading from the western wing terrace, lies a group of four partly enclosed gardens designed to provide 'snugness in all weathers' on an exposed site. The door leads to a flagged walk, with a small panel garden with geometric flower beds set in grass below the west facade of the house. Semicircular stone steps descend west to a lawn enclosed to the north by a low brick retaining wall and yew hedge, and to the south by a similar hedge. A rectangular pool with flagged and stepped margins is fed by a lead lion-mask fountain set above an arched recess in a stone balustraded walk immediately below the house. A flight of semicircular stone steps descends west from the pool court to a bowling green which is enclosed to the north by the south wall of the kitchen garden, and to the south by yew hedges. PARK Two level paddocks lie to the north of the house and stables, flanking the lime avenue. The paddocks were adapted as polo fields for Major Cayzer after 1919, and continue in this use as sports fields today. kitchen garden Lying immediately to the north-west of the house, the kitchen garden forms an integral part of the overall design. The 3m high walls which enclose the garden are constructed in distinctive purple-brown brick. Doors at the south-west and south-east corners of the garden lead to the pleasure grounds. The central section, below a range of early 20th century timber and brick lean-to glasshouses which stand against the north wall of the garden, is laid out with lawns and a late 20th century ornamental ironwork pergola. The glasshouses are flanked to the east by the pyramid-roofed fruit room, and to the west by a matching gardener's bothy, beyond which is a range of potting sheds and offices. OTHER LAND A two-storey cottage 270m north-west of the house and immediately south-west of Inner Lodge stands in simple gardens comprising lawns and ornamental shrubs. This BUILDING, constructed of concrete in 1904, was the first structure on the estate designed by Gilbert Fraser for John Lancaster.
 
Sources
Source No: 1
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Register of Parks and Gardens of special historic interest in England
Author/originator: English Heritage
Date: 1994
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 3
Source Type: Bibliographic reference
Title: Warwickshire Register Review Report & Recommendations
Author/originator: Lovie, Jonathan
Date: 1997
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Source No: 2
Source Type: Statuatory List
Title: National Heritage List for England
Author/originator: Historic England
Date:
Page Number:
Volume/Sheet:
   
Images:  
A view of Dunchurch Lodge and its gardens
Copyright: Warwickshire County Council
Date: 1910s
Click here for larger image  
 
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Glossary

 
Word or Phrase
Description  
none Registered Park or Garden Parks and gardens that are considered to be of historic importance are placed on a register. The register comprises a variety of town gardens, public parks and country estates. The main purpose of the register is to help ensure that the features and qualities that make the parks and gardens special are safeguarded if changes are being considered which could affect them.

The gardens on the register are divided into three grades in order to give some guidance about their significance, in a similar way to Listed Buildings. The majority of parks and gardens on the Register are of sufficient interest as to be designated as grade II. Some, however, are recognised as being of exceptional historic interest and are awarded a star giving them grade II* status. A small number are of international importance, and are classified as grade I.
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period Modern The Modern Period, about 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
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period modern About 1915 AD to the present (the 20th and 21st centuries AD)

In recent years archaeologists have realised the importance of recording modern sites. They do this so that in the future people will be able to look at the remains to help them understand the events to which they are related.
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monument FLOWER BED * A plot of earth used for the raising of flowers and shrubs. back
monument COUNTRY HOUSE * The rural residence of a country gentleman. back
monument POOL * A small body of water, either natural or artificial. back
monument ROSE GARDEN * A garden, often geometrical in layout, or area for the cultivation of roses. back
monument PADDOCK * An enclosed field for horses. back
monument TERRACED GARDEN * A garden with one or more platforms with walks, often on different levels, usually close to the house. back
monument HOUSE * A building for human habitation, especially a dwelling place. Use more specific type where known. back
monument VILLAGE * A collection of dwelling-houses and other buildings, usually larger than a hamlet but smaller than a town with a simpler organisation and administration than the latter. back
monument SITE * Unclassifiable site with minimal information. Specify site type wherever possible. back
monument KITCHEN GARDEN * A private garden established primarily for growing vegetables and herbs for domestic consumption. back
monument VICARAGE * The residence of a vicar, parson or rector. back
monument FOUNTAIN * An artificial aperture from which water springs. The water supply usually came from a lake or reservoir higher up in order to ensure the necessary flow and pressure. More recently fountains have been powered by pumps. back
monument LODGE * A small building, often inhabited by a gatekeeper, gamekeeper or similar. Use specific type where known. back
monument BUILDING * A structure with a roof to provide shelter from the weather for occupants or contents. Use specific type where known. back
monument LAKE * A large body of water surrounded by land. back
monument POLO FIELD * A piece of prepared ground on which the game of polo is played. back
monument STONE * Use only where stone is natural or where there is no indication of function. back
monument FORMAL GARDEN * A garden of regular, linear or geometrical design, often associated with the traditional Italian, French and Dutch styles. back
monument PARK * An enclosed piece of land, generally large in area, used for hunting, the cultivation of trees, for grazing sheep and cattle or visual enjoyment. Use more specific type where known. back
monument BALUSTRADE * A row of balusters, usually made of stone, surmounted by a rail or coping. back
monument POTTING SHED * A shed in which delicate plants are reared from seedlings for planting out later. back
monument KITCHEN * A building or room where food is prepared and cooked. back
monument BOWLING GREEN * A closely mown piece of ground used for the game of lawn bowling. back
monument GLASSHOUSE * A building made chiefly of glass, used to grow plants and fruit in. Use more specific type where possible. back
monument FACADE * Use wider site type where known. Only use term where no other part of original building survives. back
monument DRIVE * A road/carriage way giving access from the main road to the house, stables. back
monument VASE * A large, decorative garden ornament resembling a vase. back
monument ROAD * A way between different places, used by horses, travellers on foot and vehicles. back
monument WALK * A place or path for walking in a park or garden. Use more specific type where possible. back
monument PIER * A structure of iron or wood, open below, running out into the sea and used as a promenade and landing stage. back
monument FIELD * An area of land, often enclosed, used for cultivation or the grazing of livestock. back
monument BOTHY * Small building in which labourers, such as miners and tin workers. They are also associated with gardens where they provide on-site accommodation for gardeners and estate workers. back
monument COLUMN * Use for free standing column. back
monument PERGOLA * Timber or metal structure consisting of upright and cross members designed to support climbing plants. back
monument GARDEN * An enclosed piece of ground devoted to the cultivation of flowers, fruit or vegetables and/or recreational purposes. Use more specific type where known. back
monument LANDSCAPE PARK * Grounds, usually associated with a country house, laid out so as to produce the effect of natural scenery back
monument STRUCTURE * A construction of unknown function, either extant or implied by archaeological evidence. If known, use more specific type. back
monument HEDGE * Usually a row of bushes or small trees planted closely together to form a boundary between pieces of land or at the sides of a road. back
monument STABLE * A building in which horses are accommodated. back
monument WALLED GARDEN * A garden surrounded by a substantial wall. back
monument GATE * A movable stucture which enables or prevents entrance to be gained. Usually situated in a wall or similar barrier and supported by gate posts. back
monument GARDEN TERRACE * A flat, level area of ground within a garden. Often raised and accessed by steps. back
monument OFFICE * A building or room where business, administrative or professional activities are conducted. Use specific type where known. back
monument LAWN * A flat, and usually level area of mown and cultivated grass, attached to a house. back
monument STEPS * A series of flat-topped structures, usually made of stone or wood, used to facilitate a person's movement from one level to another. back
monument SHRUBBERY * A plantation of shrubs. back
monument WALL * An enclosing structure composed of bricks, stones or similar materials, laid in courses. Use specific type where known. back
monument RETAINING WALL * A wall constructed for the purpose of confining or supporting a mass of earth or water. back
monument TERRACE * A row of houses attached to and adjoining one another and planned and built as one unit. back

* Copyright of English Heritage (1999)

English Heritage National Monuments Record