Doxford Park, cascade and pump house

Doxford Park, cascade and pump house

HER Number
12807
District
Sunderland
Site Name
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
Water Pumping Station
General Period
POST MEDIEVAL
Specific Period
Victorian 1837 to 1901
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
437390
Northing
552830
Grid Reference
NZ437390552830
Sources
Sunderland City Council, November 2009, Silksworth Hall Conservation Area Character Appraisal and Management Strategy, Consultation Draft, page 19