The Obelisk Gatehouse, Nostell Priory This was the original main entrance to the estate. It gave access from the Wakefield to Pontefract road, via a lane. Visitors arriving this way would be treated to a drive through elegant parkland past a lake, arriving at the house from the north. In 1866 the railway arrived, with a station at Nostell, and it became more convenient to enter from the Wakefield to Doncaster road at Wragby Lodge. So this entrance was less used. The lodge accommodated the gatekeeper and family in 2 small rooms, one in each side of the obelisk. It was occupied until the early 1950s. This is the kitchen, accessed via the door in the extension on the left hand side. One can only imagine what it must have been like in the depths of a snowy winter having to cross the gateaway to get from one room to the other not to mention having to trudge through the weather to get to the kitchen. Folks were made of sterner stuff in those days.
Beautiful image #1. So detailed and great shades for good contrast. You're right, we do have it so much easier these days, thanks to our hard working forbears.
