A corner of yorkshire

CUSWORTH HALL

There has been a dwelling on this site, just outside Doncaster, dating back to the 13th century, but the old manor house was swept away in 1740 and a new, far grander building succeeded it.

In 1749, James Paine offered alterations which give us the shape and style that visitors will see today. One of the main features is that the rear of the hall faces a deep valley, and offers a wide vista of the town and beyond. William Wrightson, who commissioned his new home, wanted some rooms with a view – and his desires were fully met.

He also commissioned the aptlynamed landscape designer Richard

Woods to create his gardens – if 250 acres of land can be called a garden. Grade I listed (the parkland is Grade II), the property remained in the same family until 1961. Today, it is part of the local museums service, and as well as historic displays, there are tearooms, a brewery and a pub.