Aston Hall

SJ 32 NW OSWESTRY RURAL C.P. ASTON PARK

6/168 Aston Hall

8.10.59

GV II

Country house, latterly hospital then school, now reverted to domestic use. 1789-93 with later additions (now demolished) and extensive late C20 alterations. By Robert Mylne for Revd. J. R. Lloyd, reputedly to drawings by James Wyatt. Sandstone ashlar, low-pitched slate hipped roof almost concealed by eaves parapet with stone stacks in roof slope to left and right. Greek Revival style displaying French influence; present L-plan formed by demolition of rear portion of C18 house and of late C19 yellow brick service ranges to north and east. 2 storeys, moulded eaves cornice and cill band; west front: 3:1:3 bays, centre flanked by attached fluted giant Ionic columns and pilasters; corner pilasters with oval swagged medallions and round-headed niches on ground floor; glazing bar sashes throughout, those on ground floor mainly late C20 replacements; central entrance, which formerly had late C19 Doric porch (demolished c.1980), now has late C20 glazed doors with plain segmental tympanum; south front: of 3 bays, each bay divided by pilasters with decoration identical to that on corner pilasters of west front; tripartite glazing bar sashes to ground floor with plain segmental tympana; north front: of 2 bays is entirely a late C20 reconstruction, render over brick scored in imitation of ashlar with tripartite sash windows to ground floor; back wall: formerly an internal wall also has late C20 glazing bar sashes inserted and a C19 Doric porch brought from Kilhendre Hall, Dudleston (now demolished). Interior: considerably altered late C20 but retains a large number of original features, the most notable of which is the main staircase starting in one flight and returning in two with fine cast-iron balustrade and galleried landing but with cupola and octagonal lantern removed; opening off the entrance hall, which has a late C20 round-arched fibreglass colonnade in front of staircase, are two 3-bay rooms with restrained Grecian stucco friezes and original and early C19 carved marble fireplaces; upstairs the fireplaces are mainly C19 or later but many are said to retain their original cast-iron grates, panelled doors throughout. The house is set in a fine park with a large lake immediately to west. B.O.E., pp. 64-5; Colvin 949.

Listing NGR: SJ3253027253