Conservatory And Linking Bridge At North West Corner Of Wentworth Castle

STAINBOROUGH WENTWORTH CASTLE SE30SW 1/43 Conservatory and linking bridge at 25.2.52 north-west corner of Wentworth Castle GV II* Conservatory with linking bridge. 1840's. Probably made by Crompton and Fawkes of Chelmsford. For F. W. T. Vernon-Wentworth. Ashlar sandstone plinth and north wall, otherwise cast-iron with glazing. Single-storey, 10 x 3 bays, canted-bay projection on south side, lean-to porch on east side in angle with bridge forming link to Wentworth Castle (q.v.). Bays divided by miniature Doric columns with scrolls and rosettes within curved spandrel panels, simply-glazed panels between with central-pivotted opening lights. Bay projection on south has double door beneath consoled wood cornice; similar doorway to central bay on left return. Decorated gutter, hipped 3-span roof with end finials and full-length lantern to central ridge. Right return: external stone steps to porch having manufacturer's plaque on right of door. Linking bridge has wooden dado panels, decorative spandrels and ridge cresting.

Interior: perimeter bench with stone slabs on miniature columns linked by pierced grill. Longitudinal arcades of 5 bays detailed as exterior. Canopy over central southern bay. Lead blackamoor sundial in south-west bed possibly by John van Nost (1688-1729), moved from original outdoor site (J. E. Humphrey pp303-4).

J. E. Humphrey, 'A Prospect of Stainborough', unpublished thesis, Sheffield, 1982, vol 3.

Listing NGR: SE3194203162