Rotherham The Unofficial Website

Brodsworth Hall & Gardens

Brodsworth Hall is a restored Victorian mansion off Junction 37 of the A1 – out in the wilds of Doncaster. It is run by English Heritage who have restored the house and gardens and retained the atmosphere of faded grandeur. Charles Sabine Augustus Thellusson inherited an existing hall dating from the mid-eighteenth century but brought in the Italian architect, Chevalier Casentini to rebuild Brodsworth Hall as an up'to'date family home, full of typical Victorian flamboyance. The present hall was built 1861/1863 and it remains very much as it was in Victorian times. The gardens are pleasant but not as impressive as many we've visited.

In 2005 I understand that following a Heritage Lottery grant the gardens have been restored to their 1860s heyday so they might impress me a bit more now. Also new for 2005 are Goodwood Cup displays reflecting the family's interest in horse racing and a Maids and Mistresses exhibition and trail.

Brodsworth Hall

The Pedant and I visited here not long after it had re-opened with a party from the local branch of the Institute of Management: an event described as a tour of the house followed by supper. Well we toured the house and it got to 8 o'clock of the evening and stomachs were grumbling most audibly. So we toured the house some more, and it got to nine and then nine thirty. Then the tour guides uttered the magic words "It's this way to the kitchens" and they nearly got trampled in the stampede. We arrived in the kitchens salivating at the thought of sausage rolls, cold quiche and a glass of something red or white.

Guess what? The way to the kitchens was the way OUT. There was no supper, not even a bit of cheese and pineapple on a stick. The Institute of Management organiser had forgotten to organise it!

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