Witley Court (Then & Now): Discovering England
Witley Court is a Grade I listed country house in Worcestershire, England, built in the seventeenth century and underwent significant renovations in the nineteenth century. The mansion was famous for its stunning architecture, elaborate interiors, and landscaped gardens. The photos below show Witley Court before and after the restoration of the gardens to their former glory.
Witley Court: Then ~2000
In the past, Witley Court was one of the country’s finest and grandest country houses, with a rich history and an impressive architectural style.
In the 19th century, the wealthy Dudley family rebuilt and expanded the original 17th-century house. The renowned architect John Nash carried out the renovations, creating a stunning Italianate-style mansion with ornate gardens and fountains.
Sadly, the glory days were short-lived. In 1937, a devastating fire broke out, which destroyed much of the interior and left the house in ruins. In the following decades, the house and gardens fell into disrepair.
The 35mm photos below show the gardens before restoration. I took them in ~2000.
The House and Gardens Now ~2006
Today, Witley Court is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the ruins of the house and gardens. They can also get a sense of the grandeur that once existed there.
English Heritage has undertaken extensive restoration work on the property.
Visitors can now see some of the original preserved features, such as the grand Portico, the restored fountains, and the ornate garden structures.
Sightseers can also explore the gardens and parkland, which feature several formal and informal areas, including a parterre garden, a woodland walk, and a lake.
The photos below show the gardens after restoration. I took them in ~2006.
In summary, a visit to Witley Court provides a fascinating glimpse into the history and architecture of one of England’s grandest country estates and the opportunity to explore its beautiful gardens and parkland.
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