<p>This episode is a recording of an interview on BBC Radio Sheffield, on 30th January 2025, when the writer of the Sand House audio drama, Peter Spafford, spoke to presenter Paulette Edwards.</p>

This episode is a recording of an interview on BBC Radio Sheffield, on 30th January 2025, when the writer of the Sand House audio drama, Peter Spafford, spoke to presenter Paulette Edwards.

Interview with Peter Spafford, writer, on BBC Radio Sheffield 30 Jan 2025

Standing not far from the centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK for 80 years, the Sand House was a mansion-sized, private dwelling whose walls were carved from solid rock. It stood within a former quarry that later became a sunken garden surrounding the house. The associated tunnels that ran through the ground near the quarry were at least as impressive. The section known as the Cloisters tunnel was decorated with many fine carvings, including one of a full-size Indian elephant.

The Sand House was home to four families in all. It’s creator, Henry Senior lived there with his family between 1857 and his death, in 1900. The final occupants, Harry and Alice Briggs, moved out in 1934.

The Sand House Charity was formed in 2017. It exists to share the unique legacy of the Sand House with as wide an audience as possible, and to encourage learning and engagement through presentations, performances, and other creative activities.

In 2024, an audio drama was produced by The Sand House Charity, telling the true saga of this remarkable, yet little-known, feature from the UK’s history. It marks the latest in a series of projects aimed at providing a fitting legacy for the Victorian marvel that was the Sand House.

You can find out much more about the Sand House by visiting ＜www.thesandhouse.org.uk＞.

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Performing Arts

Standing not far from the centre of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, UK for 80 years, the Sand House was a mansion-sized, private dwelling whose walls were carved from solid rock. It stood within a former quarry that later became a sunken garden surrounding the house. The associated tunnels that ran through the ground near the quarry were at least as impressive. The section known as the Cloisters tunnel was decorated with many fine carvings, including one of a full-size Indian elephant. The Sand House was home to four families in all. It’s creator, Henry Senior lived there with his family between 1857 and his death, in 1900. The final occupants, Harry and Alice Briggs, moved out in 1934. The Sand House Charity was formed in 2017. It exists to share the unique legacy of the Sand House with as wide an audience as possible, and to encourage learning and engagement through presentations, performances, and other creative activities. In 2024, an audio drama was produced by The Sand House Charity, telling the true saga of this remarkable, yet little-known, feature from the UK’s history. It marks the latest in a series of projects aimed at providing a fitting legacy for the Victorian marvel that was the Sand House. You can find out much more about the Sand House by visiting ＜www.thesandhouse.org.uk＞.

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Interview with Peter Spafford, writer, on BBC Radio Sheffield 30 Jan 2025

Interview with Peter Spafford, writer, on BBC Radio Sheffield 30 Jan 2025