General Description
Most of the park consists of open flat grassed areas boarded with tree lined avenues which act as wind brakes. Of the two ponds, the western most is the larger of the two and is more formal. It also features a fountain. The pond nearest to Pitzhanger Manor on the eastward side of the park has sunken sides, these have been planted with a mixture of ornamental shrubs and bushes. The pond itself has been made to look as though it is a small gently flowing brook. A contemporary drawing of the manor house in the museum suggests that, at the time of Soane, this pond was much deeper. It was from its sides, that John Soane and his friend William Turner (the artist) would sit and fish. As the grounds to the west were pastoral it is quite possible that this pond was constructed as a Ha-ha against cattle and sheep. The bridge at the north end as did the pond was in existence before Soane bought the property but he had it decorated to give it an appearance of great antiquity, no doubt to match his faux Roman ruins which he built just to the north of his house. It is a listed Grade II* structure.
Along the north perimeter wall, is a large stone bench. This also has a statutory protection of Grade II listing.
Perceval Lodge, which has already been mentioned, is used as an arts and crafts centre.
Read more about this topic: Walpole Park
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