FROM SMALL ACORNS... CURIOSITIES AT THE HALL
The grounds of The Hall, Bradford on Avon, have many features that are not always noticed by visitors. Even those who have toured the grounds several times often discover things that they have previously missed, and each of these objects has a story to tell. As Dr. Moulton would often state, “there is a reason for everything” and he has certainly left us with some challenges of interpretation.
There are two fine stone acorns embedded in the ground near the Kingston Road, looking as if they belong upon grand pillars that have sunk like Easter Island statues into the earth. This is not far from the truth as it appears that these acorns topped gate pillars at the Spencer Moulton - Kingston Mills - rubber works. During the 1960s they became targets for vandalism, and they were offered to Alex Moulton (he had previously admired them) for safekeeping - and here they remain. We have pineapples too…
Another curiosity is the large rectangular stone near the Kingston Road entrance, carved with the year 1950. This was part of the new Spencer Moulton factory buildings erected on the Island Site after the Second World War. Prior to this time the 'Island’, bounded by the River Avon and the mill stream that supplied the Kingston Mill, formed part of the grounds of The Hall. Spencer Moulton bought this land from the family in 1946 and began expansion of their premises as materials allowed in the post-war years.
Today the rubber factory is no longer - vacated by Avon Rubber in 1991 and demolished in 2011. This carved stone was rescued from the demolition team by our former Estate Manager and Gardener, Richard Cook. The Island is now populated with residential houses. The streets are named ‘Sully’ (after Bradford on Avon’s twin town, Sully-sur-Loire), and ‘The Paddock’, referring to its pre-war use. Whilst the stone-built Carpenter’s Workshop remains (right at the eastern end by the railway), it is difficult now to imagine the site as a kitchen garden, let alone to picture the heated greenhouses for growing melons and peaches.
The grounds of The Hall will be open on Fridays from April 16th onwards, and on some Saturdays. Please click here for opening dates and to book tickets. There is plenty to discover, so do come and explore. We look forward to meeting you.
Stone acorn at The Hall, Bradford on Avon
‘1950’ stone from Spencer Moulton factory building.
Carved stone creatures guard the terraces at The Hall, Bradford on Avon.