Question: What is the most winter relevant feature of Astley Park?
Answer: The Ice House. In the 1800’s when Astley Hall was a private residence, ice was collected from what is now known as the ‘Green Pond’(!) – which in those times of severe winters would freeze over – and be stored for use through the following year. Ice houses were a common feature of stately homes and were partly constructed underground with the top covered by an earth mound for insultation. Located in Great Wood on the Astley Park Trail (Point of Interest 3) all that can be seen of the one in the park is the earth mound, as shown below.
Friends of Astley Park 