Park wall of Hinchingbrooke House fronting Brampton Road and Pepys Steps

The park wall of Hinchingbrooke House, located to the east and south-east of the house, was built in the late 16th century to early 17th century, with an additional section likely added in the late 17th century to early 18th century. It includes a flight of steps known as Pepys Steps, which dates from the mid-17th century.

The wall runs parallel to Brampton Road for about 112 meters, with short stretches at each end leading towards the house. The Pepys Steps consist of a single flight of 14 rectangular steps located approximately 20 meters south-east of Hinchingbrooke House, leading up to Pepys Walk.

The first section of the wall, located to the north-east and east of the house, is made from re-used medieval masonry on the Brampton Road side and red brick on the interior, laid in stretcher bond. It features Ketton limestone coping and limestone ball finials at regular intervals. Originally, there was a brick-built gazebo on a stone base in the north-east corner of the wall, with remnants of a late 16th century or early 17th century red brick parapet still visible.

The second section of the wall, to the south-east of the house, is likely constructed from ashlar masonry on the Brampton Road side and light-coloured brick on the interior, laid in an irregular English bond. This section also has Ketton limestone coping and limestone ball finials.

The Pepys Steps are made of cut Ketton limestone slabs, with bull-nosed moulding on each tread. While the steps are depicted in Buck’s engraving and on the 1757 map, the brick spandrel walls appear to have been built in the 19th century.