Ilam Park facts for kids
Ilam Park is a beautiful country park in England. It covers about 158 acres (0.64 square kilometers) and is located in a village called Ilam. The park sits on both sides of the River Manifold, which is about five miles (8 km) northwest of Ashbourne. The National Trust owns and cares for Ilam Park. The National Trust is a charity that looks after special places in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Even though Ashbourne (the nearest big town) is in Derbyshire, Ilam Park itself is in Staffordshire. The border between these two counties is the River Dove.
Ilam Park includes the historic Ilam Hall and parts of its old gardens. It also has an ancient forest called Hinkley Wood. This woodland is a special area known as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). It's famous for its unique types of lime trees, including small-leaved and large-leaved varieties.
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The Story of Ilam Hall
Ilam Hall has a long history. For over 250 years, starting in the 1500s, the Port family owned the estate. In 1809, they sold it to a man named David Pike Watts.
Building a New Hall
When David Pike Watts passed away in 1816, his daughter inherited the old hall. She was married to Jesse Russell. Jesse Russell decided to build a brand new hall. He hired an architect named John Shaw Sr. to design it, and James Trubshaw built it. The new Ilam Hall was constructed between 1821 and 1826. Today, it is a very important historic building, listed as a Grade II* listed building. This means it's a building of special interest and importance.
From Demolition to Youth Hostel
By the early 1930s, Ilam Hall was sold and was going to be torn down. But then, a kind person named Sir Robert McDougal bought it for the National Trust. He did this with the agreement that the parts of the hall that were still standing would be used as an International Youth Hostel.
Today, Ilam Hall is leased to the Youth Hostels Association (England & Wales) (YHA). It is a popular place for young people and families to stay when they visit the beautiful Peak District.
