Retaining wall, balustrade, steps and boathouse, Trentham Gardens

Retaining wall, balustrade, steps and boathouse, 1833 to 1842, part of Charles Barry’s remodelling of Trentham Hall and Gardens for the 2nd Duke of Sutherland.

MATERIALS: the wall and balustrade are limestone ashlar. Some of the urns and balusters have been replaced, either with concrete or Hollingworth stone.

PLAN: the wall encloses the southern end of the parterre garden, separating it from the lake to the south. It is a linear feature, running east-west, with a central set of semi-circular steps down to the water. At the west end is a short return wall running north, with a seat. At the east end another return wall has a semi-circular projection overlooking the opening to the boathouse, which is recessed beneath the parterre terrace to the north-east.

DESCRIPTION: the retaining wall is faced with rusticated ashlar. Above, there is a vase balustrade with a moulded base and rail, articulated by squat square pillars with fielded-panelled sides; these are topped with wide urns, restored in around 2004. At the angles of the walls are square piers with moulded caps. At the centre of the wall, in line with the north-south axis of the parterre garden, there is a break and a semi-circular projection with a set of wide, shallow steps leading down to the water’s edge. A statue of Perseus (listed at Grade II*) stands at this point.

At the eastern end, the balustrade leading north is broken by a semi-circular stone seat. To the north-east is a short length of walling built up to a higher level, within which is the opening to the boathouse; this is a wide segmental arch with a keystone, and it has metal gates.