More information : (SO 3962) Deer Park (NAT) (1)
Shobdon Deer Park is described by Shirley as being "more
modern". It is between 450 and 500 acres enclosed by fence, wall,
iron and paling and has large natural lakes. The fallow deer
number about 350. (2-3)
Eighteenth century landscape park, deer park and 19th century formal gardens situated to the south of the site of Shobden Court, an 18th century country house demolished in 1933. Extensive walled kitchen gardens are situated west of the site of the house. The park contains woodland and tree belts along most of the park boundaries. The southern area of the part contains a number of pools. An eye-catcher, constructed in 1753, comprises a group of 12th century arches which were originally part of the church. During the mid-late 19th century garden development reinstated an area of early 17th century formal gardens, features here also include a terrace and parterre. (4)
Shobdon Park lies within the area mapped from aerial photographs by RCHME's Marches Uplands Mapping Project. None of the featuers described in the summary and authorities 1-3 has been mapped by that survey, but field boundaries and a small earthwork mound, possibly associated with the landscape park, have been recorded separately (SO 36 SE 48, SO 36 SE 49). (5)
Formal gardens were laid out circa 1700 and improved in 1721-22 possibly involving Thomas Greening. These gardens were removed circa 1750 when the park was landscaped. Further formal gardens were laid out in the mid and late 19th century. The park was landscaped during the mid 17th century. (6) |