Wolfstone Gardens, Wolfstones Road, Netherthong

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This page is a bare-bones entry for a specific location marked on an old map. More detailed information may eventually be added...

Details

  • also known as: Rosewood Cottage (1854 map), Wolfstone's Gardens
  • location: off Wolfstones Road, Netherthong
  • status: still exists
  • category: property with grounds

The property, which was also known as Rosewood Cottage, was the home to gardener John Boothroyd for over 40 years until his death in 1876, aged 81. During his lifetime, he turned the adjoining land into a pleasure grounds. Reporting his death, the Huddersfield Chronicle noted that the grounds were a "very popular and delightful place of resort of the inhabitants of this district [...] it was the only place of the kind within many miles."[1]

The Huddersfield Examiner gave the following description of a gala held in 1856:[2]

These gardens are situate in one of the most retired places in the district ; they are well stocked with trees and flowers, and the surrounding scenery is highly picturesque. Various gymnastic exercises were entered into, and to the enchanting strains of music, proceeding from the temperance brass band. The lovers of dancing tripped gaily until the shades of evening compelled the parties to retire to their respective homes.

Huddersfield Chronicle (31/May/1884)

In May 1884, John Taylor advertised the gardens in the Huddersfield Chronicle.

By the mid-1890s, the property was the residence of gardener Thomas Hardy. On Sunday 26 July 1896, Hardy's 13-year-old daughter Edith went missing whilst on her way to attend Sunday School at Upperthong and was last seen walking towards Hagg Wood, Honley. She was located on Wednesday evening at the house of some friends in Huddersfield and it was reported that she had decided to walk there without informing her parents.[3]

Rosewood Cottage was placed up for auction in 1899 along with other lots following the death of owner Alfred Turner:[4]

LOT 12. — IN NETHERTHONG.

All that DWELLING-HOUSE, &c., called "Rosewood Cottage," better known as "Wolfstones Gardens," containing large Dining and Drawing Rooms, Living Room, Kitchen, Scullery, large Entrance Hall and Staircase on the Ground Floor, with suites of Bed, Dressing, and Bath Rooms over ; also large Dining or Dancing Room, Greenhouses and Vinery, Out Grounds and Gardens ; also FARM BUILDINGS and the following Closes of LAND and PLANTATIONS, now in the occupancy of Mr. F. Hardy :—

Ing, Cow Close, Near Great Close, Road, Great Close, Gardens (site of buildings, &c.), Little Close, Upper Cow Close, Near Great Bank, Great Bank, Tib Hey, Crimbles, Tib Hey Wood, Little Ing, Rawcliffe Hollins, Far Hollins, Hollins, Far Chrimble, and Wood next the Dyke. Total area of 24 acres 0 roods 2 perches.

There is an abundant supply of water running through this lot.

Gallery

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Location

Notes and References

  1. "Netherthong: Death of an Old Inhabitant at Netherthong" in Huddersfield Chronicle (17/Jun/1876).
  2. "Holmfirth: Gala" in Huddersfield and Holmfirth Examiner (02/Aug/1856).
  3. "A Girl Missing from Home" in Huddersfield Daily Chronicle (31/Jul/1896) and "A Missing Girl Found" in Huddersfield Daily Chronicle (31/Jul/1896).
  4. Huddersfield Chronicle' (06/May/1899). The lot was withdrawn at £800.