Heritage

While there is evidence of settlement in the area dating back to the Iron Age, the origins of the Estate go back to 1166 when ownership of Parlington was granted to the Despenser family. In 1493 the estate passed to the Wentworth family, who retained ownership until Parlington was sold to John Gascoigne in 1545, to add to his other land holdings in the area. Over the next four centuries Parlington was owned by the Gascoignes. Successive generations used their agricultural, mining and industrial-derived wealth to enhance the Estate with features that are still familiar landmarks.

Parlington was the Gascoigne family’s principal residence until the early 20th Century when the family moved to Lotherton. Parlington Hall was almost entirely demolished in the 1950s but a legacy of other historic building features remains.

In 1964 the Mercantile and General Reinsurance Company purchased the estate and it has remained in institutional ownership ever since.

Within and adjacent to the area of the new village there are two Grade II Listed structures: Home Farm and the Stallion Pens. The creation of the new village will enable the immediate restoration of these historic buildings and structures, providing the opportunity for greater public access and appreciation. There are exciting possibilities for a number of outstanding heritage assets on the site:

• The Triumphal Arch (Grade II *) is an iconic feature of the Estate. Sited at the end of the avenue of trees the setting could be enhanced by further sympathetic planting.
• The parterre at The Garden’s House (Grade II) could be restored to show the formal garden design that once existed within the Estate.
• The lake which was once used for boating could be restored for public enjoyment and leisure purposes.