Description:A postcard photograph showing the gardens at Hawkesyard Priory including a water fountain and formal flower beds. There is also a burial ground for the friars nearby.
Armitage Park, a mid-18th century house, was originally built by Nathaniel Lister. In 1839 it was bought by the widow of Josiah Spode III, who lived there with her son Josiah IV. The house was much improved by the Spodes, as were the gardens. Josiah Spode IV became converted to Roman Catholicism and when he died in 1893, he left the house to the Dominican Order. The chapel (seen here) was built by the Dominicans, who also built a priory here between 1896-1914 to the design of Edward Goldie. They named it Hawkesyard Priory. The organ case in the chapel dates from 1700 and came originally from Eton Chapel.
The Dominicans used the house as a school re-naming it Spode House. The Hawkesyard Estate has been developed and currently (2018) there is a Golf Club, Conference Centre, Wedding Venue and a Nursing Home.
Postcard photographed and published by Alfred MacCann of High Street, Uttoxeter.