Mackershaw Lodge On South Side Of Studley Park

Mackershaw Lodge, located on the south side of Studley Park, was built around 1740 for John Aislabie. It consists of a gateway with flanking lodges, which are now in ruins. The structure is made of limestone rubble and ashlar. The archway features a round carriage arch with large voussoirs and a keystone, now fitted with a farm gate. This arch is flanked by flat-arched pedestrian gateways that have been blocked, each with a round-arched recess above. The building has a modillioned eaves cornice and three bases for statues above. Each of the flanking lodges has a Venetian window with an impost band, a modillioned eaves cornice, and a pediment, but they are roofless. Originally, access was from the inner side wall. The rear walls and interior partitions have been demolished, along with outbuildings on both sides, which were constructed of limestone and brick. The lodges were occupied until around 1970. The gateway was topped with a central urn flanked by sphinxes, similar to those at the north-east outlet from the lake and likely those that once flanked the Drum Falls on the canal, which are currently in storage. The lodge is situated on high ground and was likely designed as a focal point rather than simply an entrance to the park. Its architectural style is similar to that of the east gate.