Meldon Park
Meldon Park is a privately owned country mansion situated at Meldon, Northumberland. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]
Present building[]
In 1832, Isaac Cookson commissioned architect John Dobson to replace the old manor, which stood on the banks of the River Wansbeck, with a new mansion, which was completed in 1835.[1] During the 20th century, extensive internal improvements and embellishments were carried out by Edwin Lutyens.[1]
Historical ownership[]
The Manor of Meldon was anciently held by the Fenwick family from whom it passed by marriage to the Radclyffes.[2] James Radclyffe, 3rd Earl of Derwentwater lost the estate to the Crown following his attainder for treason in the 1715 Jacobite rising.[2]
Cookson family[]
The Crown granted the estate to the Greenwich Hospital by whom it was sold in 1832 for £55,000 to Isaac Cookson, a wealthy Newcastle upon Tyne merchant.[2] Cookson was Mayor of Newcastle in 1809 and High Sheriff of Northumberland in 1838. In 1881, the Cookson family lived in some style with eighteen servants.[3] The family remains in occupation of the house and estate. The house and grounds are open to the public at specified times and holiday accommodation is available.[4]
Resources[]
The Cookson Family Papers are archived at Durham University Library Archives.
References[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Meldon Park, Hartburn. |
- ^ a b c Keys to the Past[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b c History, Topography and Directory of Northumberland William Whellan (1855)
- ^ 1881 Census
- ^ Meldon Park website
- Country House Rescue; Channel 4; 12 July 2012
- Grade II* listed buildings in Northumberland