page2

Templenewsam Park is situated off the A63, Selby Road, approx. 4 miles from Leeds City centre. In the grounds of the 1200 acre (approx.) site, stands TEMPLENEWSAM HOUSE, a Tudor/Jacobean mansion, which is open to the public for a modest charge. (£2.00 @ 8/99, including car park).

The house, which is just a few hundred yards from my home, is surrounded by parkland and woodland, with vast areas of gardens including the well known displays of azaleas and rhododendrons. (Best seen in early July). Also in the grounds is the Rare Breeds Centre. This is a working farm with rare breeds of pigs poultry horses and goats etc. (Open to the public, free entry).

The House boasts what is claimed to be the largest collection of Chippendale furniture in the country and has an extensive collection of decorative arts in their original room settings. It is said that house holds the largest set of furniture still in its original location, in Britain. It is claimed by some, that the house is haunted.

There is a car park, children’s play area and disabled persons facilities within the grounds. During the course of the year, the park hosts several events including “Opera in the Park”, pop concerts, steam traction rallies an various shows.

A few hundred yards from my house, in the opposite direction to Templenewsam House, is St Mary’s, a Church with a long history, far too much to put in this small space. There is however, an excellent dedicated web site for St Mary’s/Whitkirk and the surrounding area. The site gives details of local events and inter alia, interesting local information, with some useful links.

There are some photos of Templenewsam House and St Mary’s Church, in the photo album section. To see them click on “Photo Album”, on the left.