Gates, Gatepiers, And Railings To South Of The Etwall Almshouses

The gates, gatepiers, and railings to the south of the Etwall Almshouses date from the early 18th century and 1849. The gates were designed by Robert Bakewell and originally came from Etwall Hall. They were re-erected after restoration in 1984. The structure features wrought iron, brick, and stone. There are low brick walls with chamfered stone copings on either side of the gates, topped with plain railings that have square stiles and urn finials. At each end of the railings, there are pairs of brick gate piers with moulded stone cornices. In the center, a large pair of gates is set in a frame with scrolled panels. The gates are simple, featuring only an arrowhead dograil at the base and plain square rails. Above the frame is an impressive overthrow with a central painted shield and a crest of a hawk holding a buckle, flanked by scrollwork with leaves and flowers. Side panels also have scrolled overthrows. The gates were originally made for the Sleigh family of Etwall Hall, and the railings were installed in 1849 by the Trustees of the Almshouses following a riot by the almsmen.