So they could have barely have imagined the dramatic effects that a 21st Century lighting scheme could add to their already admirable work.

Brodsworth, the preserved hall on the outskirts of Doncaster, has been staging autumn evening outdoor lighting shows for two years and they have proved so popular that owner English Heritage has this year set up a pre-booking system to try to curtail the queues.

The show, or son-et-lumiere, to use English Heritage's official description, has been designed to present visitors with a new dimension to the gardens and the external elevations of the hall itself.

While the Victorians may have been restricted to dim gas lighting, today's experts can call upon a huge range of technology to help achieve the effects they want.

In these environmentally conscious times, that means using a lot of low-powered LED bulbs which help to keep electricity consumption down without compromising on the effects.

The designers of this year's lighting show have plundered one of their ideas from the 1970s disco scene, installing a huge mirror ball which reflects light to give a moving water effect below the feet of visitors in one area.

English Heritage spokes-man Jay Commins said: "The idea behind the
Victorian garden was to provide a reveal around every corner. We have a path around the gardens and something different around every corner."

The event continues until Sunday November 2, from 6.30pm until 9pm, with ticket bookings available by telephone on 01302 722598. Adult prices are £6 in advance, but £7.50 on the door.