Lodge Park, Sherborne

Summary
A rare surviving 17th century grandstand, Lodge Park was built as part of the Sherborne estate by John Dutton as an observation post for deer coursing. The restored grandstand is set in 18th century parkland designed by Charles Bridgeman.

What is a grandstand?
Like a modern sporting ground, a 17th century grandstand was a place to watch - in some elegance - a popular sporting event. In this case the sport was deer coursing. In this 'sport' a deer was released at the start of a long open space, or track. Hunting dogs were then released to chase the deer. The course extended for some distance; at Lodge Park the course ran a mile, and ended in two ditches. Watchers on the balcony or roof of the grandstand could watch the course of the race, and bets were placed on whether the dogs would catch the deer.

The grandstand at Lodge Park was built in 1634 by John 'Crump' Dutton, so named for his crooked back. Around 1730 the grounds surrounding the grandstand were greatly remodeled by Charles Bridgeman in the style that became known as English landscape gardening.

The grandstand underwent several renovations over the years, and in the 20th century served as the principal residence of Lord Sherborne. When Lord Sherborne died in 1983 he left the grandstand to his housekeeper with the prriviso that she could stay in it as long as she wished. Finally the grandstand passed to the National Trust. A painstaking program of renovations was carried out, with the aim of returning Lodge Park to the interior layout that it would have had in the 17th century.

The gates of Lodge Park

What's it like to visit?
There is a small parking area beside the grandstand. An audiovisual presentation tells the story of the grandstand and its renovation. Several rooms on the lower floor are open, as is the great hall on the first floor. Here you will see two huge, ornate chests presented to Lord Sherborne when he served as First Lord of the Treasury. Ascend via a winding stair to the roof of the grandstand for excellent views across the grounds, where the location of the deer course in front of the building is clearly visible.

National Trust

See our Photos of Lodge Park >>