It's a dog's life (and death) at historic Leeds hall

Stephanie Davies, assistant curator at Lotherton Hall, by the pet graveyard.

Lady Gascoigne, a devoted dog lover, took her beloved dogs away with her when she travelled the world with her husband Sir Alvary, who was a noted diplomat.

Their furry friends also came home with them to Lotherton Hall, in east Leeds, from the many countries they visited.

And now guests to the Aberford estate can see the historic graves commemorating their canine companions for themselves this summer.

The pet cemetery, located in the grounds of the Edwardian hall, is made up of nine headstones, each bearing the name of one of the dogs belonging to Sir Alvary and Lady Gascoigne, who were the last private owners of the historic estate. And it features in the new top 10 Lotherton Hall challenge that intrepid visitors can mark off on their travels around the site.

Councillor Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for environment and sustainability, said: “There’s an incredible amount to see and do at Lotherton Hall and the estate really comes to life during the summer months.

“Lotherton is a genuinely unique place that not only has an impressive amount of local history and heritage.”

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