Introduction
Fradley Hall had extensive 18th-century gardens, now lost.
The original house was assessed at four hearths in 1666, and it is known to have been enlarged by 1720.
Today, it is in use as a private residence. Other than internal remnants of timber-framing, only the gate piers appear to date from the 18th century, though there is evidence of timber framing internally. Though records show the extent of formal gardens in the 18th century, by the 19th century much of the land was farmed, and today much is lost.
- History
Fradley Hall was an early post-medieval timber-framed house. It was in the ownership of the Gilbert family until 1672. It then passed by marriage to William Goring of Kingstone, Uttoxeter, and to his son Henry in 1710. The house is known to have been enlarged by 1720.
Henry was Sheriff of Staffordshire by 1723. In 1726, the estate is said to have been a typical formal walled garden, with geometric quartering, gravel and grass walks, and ornamental canals. It was divided by hedges into a walled forecourt, pleasure ground, orchard, kitchen garden, and nursery ground. There are 171 varieties of fruit trees listed, as well as vines and fruit bushes, honeysuckle, pyracantha, jasmine and evergreens.
By the 19th century, the grounds were held by the Shaw family and were in use as a farm. The 1st ediition Ordnance Survey map shows the principal building surrounded by pasture and trees.
Period
18th Century (1701 to 1800)
- Features & Designations
Designations
The National Heritage List for England: Listed Building
- Reference: House
- Grade: II
Features
- Historic House (featured building)
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Estate
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Domestic / Residential
Period
18th Century (1701 to 1800)
Survival
Lost
Civil Parish
Alrewas and
- References
References
- Shaw, S. 1798. {History and Antiquities of Staffordshire}, p.131, 135-137. History and Antiquities of Staffordshire
Contributors
Staffordshire Gardens and Parks Trust