Icehouse • Ashridge Estate

The icehouse here, with its distinctive puddingstone cap, is one of the best preserved in the country. 

It was built in the early 19th century and served the nearby mansion for around 100 years before modern refrigeration technology made it redundant. 

Ice would be collected from a nearby pond during the winter months, and sent down the chute to be stored for use through the following Summer. 

These images were taken in September 2009.