Dunsdale Dunsdale was often considered the ‘dower-house’ of Valence and had a chequered history of ownership and tenancy. Earliest references to an original mansion at Dunsdale appear in 1823 with the owner recorded as one John Humphrey, who had purchased Dunsdale along with 142 acres of farmland when the Hill Park estate was split up in ...
Reference: WH1014
Carved from Caen stone, the design of the doorway appears as free-form vegetation strings carved in a delicate, balanced way which is not unattractive and complements the rugged stone of the tower itself.
Reference: WH1012
Cutmill Pond The waterwheel at Cutmill Pond is dated 1858, the same as the mansion at Dunsdale. It supplied water via a reservoir and five filter beds to Dunsdale. The wheel is described as an undershot waterwheel with a 2.56/1 step-up gear to 2 crankshafts which could drive a single cylinder pump. It was able to ...
Reference: WH1027
The year before he died, Francis Johnstone moved the family to Sidmouth in south Devon. Dunsdale was not re-let and the empty house and gardens naturally went into decline.
Reference: WH1010
Comparing this black and white photo-postcard with the earlier aquatint one it is evident that the topiary work on the arches has grown. What beautiful surroundings for the convalescing soldiers to experience after the horrors of the trenches in France.
Reference: WH1015
Seen here in a close-up from the last photograph, Dr. John Ronaldson Russell took the position of Chief Medical Officer and Lucy M. Watney was appointed Commandant as Blanche Warde, initially appointed Commandant, had to stand down due to other commitments.
Reference: WH1029
This somewhat fairytale gothic mansion enjoyed an elevated, yet secluded position. In 1819 J. P. Neale, a noted author of the time, described the valley in which Dunsdale was situated as follows: “The scenery excites feelings in the mind, which, though perpetually experienced by the lover of nature, never have been, nor ever will be ...
Reference: WH1018
This view shows the central conservatory and the parterre to the south side of the house.
Reference: WH1020