Silksworth, Doxford Park, cascade and pump house

HER Number:
12807

District:
Sunderland

Site Name:
Silksworth, Doxford Park, cascade and pump house

Place:
Silksworth

Map Sheet:
NZ35SE

Class:
Water Supply and Drainage

Site Type: Broad:
Water Supply Site

Site Type: Specific:
Pump House

General Period:
Early Modern

Specific Period:
C19

Form of Evidence:
Structure

Description:
On the western side of the lake is a small cave-like structure. Fiona Green identifies this as an icehouse, however this was apparently built by Charles D. Doxford to house the generator that drove the cascade from the top of the rocks into the pond beneath. The cascade was designed to be seen from Silksworth House (HER 7227) specifically from Charles' bedroom. It ran over a rockery creating an image of rustic charm. The water no longer flows and the pools are now almost devoid of water.

Easting:
3739

Northing:
5283

Grid Reference:
NZ37395283

Lats/Lons:

Sources:
Sunderland City Council, November 2009, Silksworth Hall Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy, Consultation Draft, page 19