A History Of The Woodlands
The Woodlands has been described as "the jewel in the crown" of the Stately Homes and Mansions of Darlington. The house gave its name to Woodland (s) Road ... which lost its final "s" in c1910 !
Several notable families have lived here over the years and, prior to the Hospice moving in, there was only a short time in the early 1990's when The Woodlands was not a private residence. The property had been empty for around 2 years before the Hospice moved in. Any alterations which were made to accommodate the patients and necessary therapy rooms were very carefully planned and sympathetic to the style and Grade II listed status of the building. Expert specialist medical care is always available at the Hospice but, in keeping with our philosophy, it is carefully "camouflaged" in a friendly, homely atmosphere. The Hospice staff and volunteer team have done much to restore a family feeling and to bring joy back to this wonderful building.
ROBERT BOTCHERBY:
The Woodlands was built in 1815 by Robert Botcherby who succeeded to his father's business as a timber merchant.
Robert died suddenly in 1835
JOSEPH WHITWELL PEASE:
Joseph Whitwell Pease the eldest son of Joseph Pease of Southend (which was later renamed as The Grange Hotel) married in 1854 and made The Woodlands his first home, living there for over 20 years.
7 of his 8 children were born at The Woodlands, which could well have been the reason behind the substantial alterations he made to the building in 1860! At this time he added the tower and the Drawing Room bay on the South front; also spacious domestic quarters on the ground floor and on the upper storey the governess' room, day nursery and two night nurseries as well as a bathroom, servants bedroom and closets. Joseph served as MP for South Durham from 1865 to 1885 and as MP for Barnard Castle from 1885 until his death.
THOMAS PLEWS:
In the 1870's The Woodlands became the home of Thomas Plews who was a wine merchant. He lived there with Mary (his wife); his daughters Jessie, Kate, Ethel and Eva; and his son John.
At the time of the 1881 census the Plews' live-in household included:-
- Thomas Turnbull - Butler
- Sarah Whateley - Cook
- Eliza Wilkins - Housemaid
- Eliza Boynton - Serving Maid
- Elizabeth Eggleston - Nurse
- Annie Anderson - Kitchen Maid
...and also living on the estate in 3 cottages were:
Thomas Plews, particularly known for his generosity to others and to the town, was a Mayor of Darlington.
TODD:
The Todd family founded Todd Brothers Drapery & Outfitting in 1880. From 1883 they had large premises situated on the corner of 48 & 50 Northgate and 3-5 Crown Street in Darlington Town Centre.
In 1908 a good deal of the land of The Woodlands estate was sold for building purposes, but there remained substantial grounds and wooded walks and a kitchen garden and orchard. Thomas Todd the founder of the family business died in 1920. The shop was sold in 1937 and The Todd family remained at The Woodlands for some years.
CLARK:
In 1950 the house was bought by John Clark, Managing Director of John Tinsley's in Neasham Road.
LEE:
John Clark's widow eventually married Sir William (Wally) Lee. They lived in The Woodlands until the death of Lady Lee in 1988, after which the house was put on the market and Sir William, former Chairman of Darlington Hospitals, moved to Gainford.
WILTSHIER CONSTRUCTION:
In December 1991, the house was purchased by Wiltshier's the building firm, who moved in during the following January. The firm used it as their headquarters for the next 6 years until they eventually moved out of the area to Teesside following a merger. The Darlington & Stockton Times announced the property was again for sale in November 1996.
THE DARLINGTON AND DISTRICT HOSPICE MOVEMENT
... also known as St. Teresa's Hospice, moved to the house in October 1998 and, after a short period of refurbishment, (during which time Day Patients were looked after elsewhere), re-opened The Woodlands as the Hospice in February 1999.
An opening ceremony involved over 200 volunteers, supporters and staff of the hospice, who joined hands in a symbolic "caring circle" around the building - indicative of the support which is given to patients and their families. To complete the ceremony, the building was blessed from above by Rev. John Dobson, who sprinkled holy water onto the roof... from the cradle of a Fire Engine!
The Hospice added the Orangery (right of cover picture) in 2002, thanks to a major donation in memory of local vet David Storrar, and support from The Rotary Club of Darlington's Millennium Appeal.
The Woodlands is the base for all of the Hospice's activities, which reach out across South Durham and North Yorkshire, providing free specialist help for patients and carers, via:-
Hospice at Home, Day Care, In-Patient Unit, Therapeutic Facilities, Complementary Therapies, Counselling and Befriending.
