Magic and loss: Fisherwick Hall Orangery, a warning echoing down the generations, Image from Kate Gomez.

Kate Cardigan Gomez, irrepressible wonder behind Lichfield Lore has organised a walk and tour around the remains of the incredible Fisherwick Park estate with her other project, Lichfield Discovered – it takes place tomorrow, Saturday 5th April 2014.

The story of Fisherwick hall and park is remarkable – a reputedly handsome house built in the lowland of the north Tame Valley between Whittington and Elford by the Marquis of Donegal, the grounds were laid out beautifully by Capability Brown. Sadly, it was all lost to pay gambling debts when the whole estate was sold to the Howards of Elford a few short decades later, who ploughed up the grounds and felled the hall and most of its remnants.

However, some parts of the estate and grounds remain – an Orangery, gateposts at Hademore, landscape features… it’s a remarkable tale.

Kate has written lots about it..

She had this to say about the walk:

We’re having a walk on Saturday April 5th at 2pm at Woodhouse Farm and Garden in Fisherwick Wood (just outside of Whittington), where we can explore the history and some of the remains of the Marquess of Donegal’s extravagant but short lived Fisherwick estate and discover how the place has been brought back to life as a community farm after years of neglect.

It’s also a fantastic wildlife haven so the start of spring is a perfect time to visit and you can also buy meat and other produce while we’re there. It’s quite short notice I know, but if you are interested please let me know asap so I can get an idea of numbers!

Today, Mrs. Cardigan added:

About 20 people going to tomorrow’s walk at Woodhouse Farm to look at some of the history of the bling bling Fisherwick estate and how it has been rescued from neglect to become a thriving community farm, growing fruit & veg in the old walled garden and raising rare breed animals on what was the Marquess’ lawn!

Annamarie is baking cake for us so if you do want to come & haven’t already said so please do because you aren’t having my piece!

We’re meeting at the farm (parking available) at 2pm. It’s up a drive off Fisherwick Wood Lane (you’ll see a sign at the bottom of the drive for Woodhouse Farm and Garden) but if anyone needs more comprehensive directions let me know!

Looking forward to it

These events are increasing in popularity, and I can see why; this is a collection of dedicated but offbeat local history enthusiasts who really know how to make their subject engaging and entertaining. And it’s absolutely free to attend. What’s not to love?

Please do attend, it’ll be great fun!

These gateposts stand in Hademore, and were moved from nearby when the railway was widened. Note the commonality in design with the Orangery.