Sheffield Park Garden is noted as an 18th century landscape overlaid with 20th century planting. It is considered a bold composition predominantly of trees and large shrubs planted en masse to create vistas that enhance the scale and grandeur of the property.

Sheffield (meaning sheep clearing) Park is mentioned in the Doomsday Book. In August 1538 Thomas Howard, 3rd Duke of Norfolk entertained Henry VIII here. By 1700 the Deer Park had been partially formalised by Lord De La Warr who planted avenues of trees radiating from the house and cleared areas to establish lawns. In 1796 it was sold to John Holroyd, created Baron Sheffield in 1781.

James Wyatt was called in to remodel the house in the fashionable 'Gothic' style and 'Capability' Brown was commissioned to landscape the garden. He created irregular belts and clumps of trees and cleared informal paths through the woods. Repton followed Brown in 1789/90 he concentrated on the area close to the house, sadly no Red Book exists.

The third Earl, inherited the estate in 1876. One of his first tasks was to establish a cricket field. The Australian XI opened their tour at Sheffield Park between 1884 and 1896. Lord Sheffield's team included W.G. Grace.

By 1885 an 'arboretum' was being established consisting of mostly of exotic and native trees including conifers rhododendrons, azaleas and Acers. Arthur Soames purchased the estate in 1910 and continued the massive planting programme, much of which still exists today including North American species, particularly Nyssa, noted for their autumn colour.

During the Second World War the house and garden became the headquarters for a Canadian armoured division and Nissan huts were sited in the garden and woods. The estate was split up and sold in lots in 1953.

The National Trust purchased approximately 100 acres in 1954. Further acquisitions have increased this to 200 acres including vital shelter belt woodland outside the formal garden.

©NTPL / Nick Meers