North Forecourt Wall With Two Gates And Gate Piers And Return To Gatehouse

The north forecourt wall at Charlecote Park, built in the 16th, 18th, and 19th centuries, features two gates, gate piers, and a return to the gatehouse. It was commissioned by Reverend William Lacy and includes gates designed by Nicholas Paris. The structure is made of brick with ashlar dressings and wrought-iron elements, with ashlar quoins.

The wall and balustrade are located to the north of the forecourt, leading to Cedar Lawn and the house. The western part of the wall likely dates back to the 16th century, while the remainder was constructed in the first half of the 19th century, incorporating gates from 1722. The balustrade on the north wall is a later 19th-century addition, featuring a moulded coping over pierced rosettes inspired by the gatehouse, separated by piers with paired fluted consoles.

A central recess includes concave walls with ashlar benches flanking the steps that lead up to plain paired iron gates to Cedar Lawn, with two flower urns on either side. In front of the benches are two lead figures. The paired wrought-iron gates near the west end are set between brick gate piers with quoins, moulded ashlar plinths, and caps topped with finials from around 1600. The gates feature a rich wrought-iron overthrow with the monogram "WL" for Reverend William Lucy, along with side piers. The south return has a central canted bay and an octagonal pier at the angle topped with a pepper-pot finial and diapering. This property is managed by the National Trust.