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One of the purposes of the Copped Hall Trust, in purchasing Copped Hall, was to restore the mansion, ancillary buildings and gardens according to strict criteria. Considering the appalling state of the place, great progress has been made in this direction.
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MANSION The priority for the mansion and wing is stabilisation and waterproofing. The fire in 1917 and subsequent demolitions have removed almost all the floor and roof structures which previously tied the walls and chimneys together. We have begun to reinstate these missing structures – volume by volume. A number of the chimneys have been stabilised by the reinstatement of the roof structures which have been fitted with a temporary waterproof covering – enabling the structure below to dry out. Reinstatement of floor structures, together with extensive brickwork repair, has stabilised many of the walls. These works have made it possible for the public and specialist groups to be allowed to view parts of the interior. |
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THE ANCILLARY BUILDINGS
These are in two locations : - The stone faced garden structures near the mansion, comprising the temples, winter-garden and glazed corridor. Much clearance work has taken place around these structures, together with the reinstatement of landscaping but no masonry reconstruction has taken place as yet. Two sets of iron gates have been made for the entrances to the enclosed garden immediately south of the mansion. The other set of ancillary buildings is situated north of the mansion and comprises the racquets court, dairy, game larder, stable block and link building. Much restoration has been carried out on these buildings – as well as landscaping. The racquets court is used as our tea room and shop. The stables are able to be viewed by the public - although the game larder awaits works that will enable it to be viewed. |
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THE GARDENS
Much clearance of non-original vegetation has taken place. Lawns have been recreated and specimen trees replanted. The ancient yew tree walk (King Henry’s Walk) was tragically cut down in the 1950s but now has been replanted – although it will obviously taken many years to give the previous effect. Some stonework that was removed in the 1950s has been recovered and will be re-erected in due course. Extensive restoration has taken place in both the Rock Garden and the Long Garden. |
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Long Garden - Herbaceous Border
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KITCHEN GARDEN
When the Trust acquired the magnificent 4 acre Walled Garden it was completely overgrown. After some six years work there is a managed appearance with the perimeter beds planted up. The central ‘quarters’ are maintained as grass lawns as we do not have the manpower to cultivate them at present. One of the glasshouses (the orchid house) has been partly restored. Each year the Walled Garden produces more and more vegetables. This produce is for sale on public visiting days. All restoration works involve both contractors and volunteers. The volunteers tend to carry out most of their work in the gardens, although there is a committed group that always work in the mansion and wing – carrying out extensive clearance and reorganisation. |
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Walled Garden - Reconstruction under way
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Walled Garden - The Central Pond and Pear Walk
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