Historic parkland surrounds the former Aswarby Hall (see PRN 64829). Whilst the exact date of its establishment is not known, there are 18th century references to its existence, and it is believed to have possible 17th century origins. The probably original layout of the park is recorded on the 1st edition 1" to the mile Ordnance Survey map of 1824, as well as the earlier 2" to the mile surveyor drawing of 1814. The 1814 map shows the hall, with an avenue of trees running westwards from the hall, two linear lakes, the mound by the western boundary as well as paths through the park. It is possible that the mound acted as a prospect mound for the park (see PRN 60727). The park was improved and expanded by the Whichcote family in the 19th century, when the existing village of Aswarby was moved to make more space (see PRN 64826). Traces of the original Aswarby village can still be seen in the south-east corner of the park. The former turnpike road from Sleaford to Bourne (via Folkingham) used to form the southern boundary of the earlier park. This road was realigned to pass around the 19th century park when it was extended southwards. The park was regarded poorly prior to the improvements, with Byng referring to them in 1765 as "a moorish flat". They were described as "splendid" by the 1880s, showing how well received the parkland was in 19th century society. {1}{2}{3}{4}{5} The 2nd edition 25" Ordnance Survey County Series map shows various features of the park including tree avenues, lakes, an icehouse and a cricket pitch with pavilion. {6} Earthwork remains of the post-medieval gardens have been identified on aerial photographs examined as part of the National Mapping Programme. The features noted included elements of the formal gardens and a ha ha to the south of the former hall site, along with a number of former boundary banks. {7} The parkland to the now-demolished Aswarby Hall is known to have been in existence by 1814, and was further developed and enlarged in the mid and late 19th century by the Whichcote family. Prior to the Whichcote ownership, little is known about the development of Aswarby, other than that it was the property of a succession of owners (the de Gants, de Kymes, Umfraville, Tailboys and Carre families). It is presumed that Aswarby Park was initially developed at some time prior to the 18th century, with surviving specimen trees of great age defining the positions of avenues planted prior to the mid 19th century enlargement. The first of the major Whichcote developments at Aswarby was completed in 1836, when a new stable block designed by H.E. Kendall was built to the east of the house (see PRN 64828). Much more extensive developments and enlargements were conducted between 1845 and 1851, when the village of Aswarby was moved from its old position to the west of the parish church to its present position north-east of the church. Most of the present estate buildings were added at this time, including the estate offices (see PRN 64807), cottages, walled garden and its bothy (see PRN 64709), the kennels (see PRN 64708), north and south lodges (see PRNs 64803 and 64808), and the Rose Pergola (see PRN 64710). A pair of 18th century ashlar masonry pillars (see PRN 64801), located to the south of the site of the Hall, are thought to mark the old approach to the Hall from the original main road. This ran from the Church of St Denys westwards to the site of the Tally Ho public house. The 2nd edition 25" Ordnance Survey County Series map depicts Aswarby Park in its fully-developed form. Aswarby Hall is shown with an avenue of trees extending to the road (now the A15) which delineates the park boundary to the west. The house is shown with a grid of paths and beds to the south, the paths extending into small shelter belts to the south-east and south-west. The new main entrance route is shown, leading from the Church of St Denys, through the south lodge gates and curving past the stable block and kennels, to the house. A secondary entrance carries a track from the A15 in the north-west area of the park, through the north lodge gates, curving south-eastwards and then directly south towards the site of the Hall. The walled garden and associated structures are shown to the east of the stable block, with a path extending along its southern boundary passing through the rose pergola to the south lodge. The original principal building of Aswarby Hall was demolished by 1952, after an extended period of neglect and decline. It was described after its occupation for military purposes in the Second World War as being in ‘such a condition that no sensible person would live there’. The principal building of the parkland is now the converted stable block, which was made into a residence for the current owners of the estate in 1969. The gardens to Aswarby Hall were located to the south, south-east and south-west of the former house. These too have been largely lost, although aerial photographs show shallow tree lines marking the boundary of the former garden areas. A new formal avenue marking the main axis of the converted stable block extends westwards to align with an avenue of trees planted close to the line of the avenue shown on the early OS map depictions of the park. The parkland of Aswarby Hall was developed on former late medieval or post-medieval plough land, evidence of which is to be seen in the extensive ridge and furrow which survives as well-preserved earthworks throughout most areas of the park. The parkland is characterised in the main by uninterrupted grassland populated with specimen trees, its boundaries reinforced by linear plantations, but otherwise defined by plain post-and-rail fencing or hedgerows. Inserted within this informally-arranged landscape were more disciplined areas of planting, including the oak avenue extending from the western edge of the park and a much more densely-planted area to the north of the hall site flanking the approach from the north lodge. The OS maps show a narrow, rectangular pond to the east of this track, named as ‘The Canal’. This area is now densely-wooded and overgrown, and the feature is no longer recognisable, although further evidence of its presence may be concealed by vegetation. Map evidence suggests that the Canal formed part of, or the terminal element of, a vista extending northwards from the hall. It may also have had a practical function in providing water for an ice house now infilled and no longer visible, located at the centre of a field boundary to the east of the canal. A significant number of veteran trees survive in the area to the north of the hall site, and adjacent to the cricket pitch, where there are parallel lines of trees of different generations. The cricket pitch, and a pavilion, (now demolished) were created at some time between 1891 and 1905, and appear to be the last additions to the park landscape apart from the re-planting of trees in areas of earlier planting. The park is registered as being of special historic interest. For the full description of this designated asset, please refer to the National Heritage List for England entry. {8}