Posted:  Thursday 14 August 2008

North East Associates visit
Scampston Hall and Gardens
- 13th August -

Scampston Hall, near Malton in North Yorkshire, is a little-known attraction as it is not in the tourist “Brown Sign” category.  An ordinary green road junction sign on the A64 points to “Scampston only” without any indication of what is at the end of the narrow lane.  Surrounded by open countryside, when you're there your eyes are opened.

A party of about 100 North East Associates called in, by arrangement, on 13th August after glowing reports from a North East Sports & Social Club visit in June last year in which some Associates participated, and who returned today.

On leaving Tyneside we waved to "The Angel” on our third journey south this year.  We’ve also been north but not west, and there’s only water to the east!

The Helmsley route of our June outing was retraced, including the climb up Sutton Bank.  Our drivers must be gluttons for punishment.

On arrival one coach went straight to the house where half the passengers started their tour immediately, the other half being taken to the rock garden and formal garden and then on to the house.

The walled garden from the "Mount"

Meanwhile coach two passengers disgorged into the walled garden prior to lunching in the restaurant. A cold buffet and sweet, prepared and presented by the Yorkshire Party Company, was enjoyed by the group. Marks given: eleven-out-of-ten!

Then it was 'all change' for two more house tours with a start delay in the garden for one group - and, of course, another lunch sitting.

This was a private visit, the house being opened to the public for only four weeks in the year in May/June.  We were greeted by the owners, Sir Charles and Lady Legard, and then given a short history by Sir Charles of the two families associated with the house since it was built in 1690.  Lady Legard was our garden guide, she being instrumental in the restoration work done.

As landowners, and farmers, their estate is large.  The house, however, is small compared with many stately homes but it includes a wealth of interesting features.  A comment from one guide was “Where, in the area, can you see six paintings by Thomas Gainsborough on view in the same place?”  Apparently Castle Howard has fewer by five!  A considerable number of works by other renowned artists also adorn the walls.  Without ropes and barriers inside the feel of the rooms can be appreciated.

Yes, built in 1690, and then remodelled in the 1790’s the exterior was given a coat of stucco plaster which unfortunately doesn’t enhance its appearance.  Recent interior remedial work is much more sympathetic in the way that old wall coverings and fittings have been restored.

The Palladian style bridge in the formal garden

A recent major project was to uncover the rock garden and this now leads into the formal garden, with its obligatory water feature, as designed by that Northumberland chap, Capability Brown.

Most ended their visit by spending time in the walled garden, origins from 200 years ago but redesigned and replanted completely in the last five years.

All plants have been numbered and visitors are given a plant list on arrival to aid identification, with the opportunity to buy many species.

The more energetic discovered the newly introduced woodland walk.

A quick cuppa and a scone before we go

Home now by the scenic route through the North York Moors National park to Middlesbrough, the promised rain held off until now, and then back into traffic for the last forty miles home.

ph  14/08/2008

pictures:  ph

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