Brodsworth Hall and Gardens is owned by English Heritage and as such is one of those properties where they are attempting to preserve the property but do not restore what has already eroded through the course of time.  Of all the Heritage properties that I have visited this house is certainly one where it is clear what the ravages of time can do to a house over the years.

Brodsworth Hall was built between 1861 and 1863 by Charles Thellusson and was actually lived in until the late twentieth century.

The most crowded room of the house on the tour today is The Drawing Room which is a large room and filled, practically to overflowing with various displays of items which have been gathered over the years.  It is one of the few rooms which does not appear to have been slowly decaying.

Sadly many of the rooms are not in such a lovely state.  Water damage and peeling wallpaper are evident in many of the rooms and from the outside of the building the erosion of the outer decorations on the building are clearly seen.

Many rooms of the house appear to be as they were left when the owners departed, books remain on tables and child's games played and left are on display.  Many items on display are not the treasures you would normally find in a stately home but the everyday items that were used by the owners.  It gives the house a feeling that it could still be lived in and that the owners have merely gone away on an extended trip and are returning shortly.

It is a house that was clearly lived in and loved and it shows in every room in the house.

You will find at Brodsworth helpful members of staff in every room to let you know about the property and the conservation work that has been done and is still being done at the property.

Conservation is also taking place in the gardens, the undergrowth around the summerhouse in the picture directly above has been done as part of the garden conservation.

But the house is not all there is to see at Brodsworth and the gardens are a delight to walk through.

Extensive and varied the gardens appear hidden on the initial approach to the house but once you are in them you find new displays of flowers and colour at every turn.

The pictures on this page show the wide and varied displays on offer and every visitor should try to ensure they leave enough time to see as much of the gardens as possible.

There is also, hidden away, a pet cemetery to visit, although I gave this a miss myself, not being particularly fond of graves of animals.

After walking through a lot of the gardens you will also find the target range where the family and guests were known to practice their archery skills. 

If you are interested in the English Heritage conservation work this property is well worth a visit and also is host to various events during the year, including a Teddy Bear Picnic which is sure to be a favourite with the children.