At the June meeting of the Edwinstowe Historical Society, the illustrated talk related to Clumber and the Dukes of Newcastle.
Built between 1760 and 1772 for the 2nd Duke of Newcastle, Clumber House was one of the ducal properties forming part of the area known as ‘The Dukeries’. 4,000 acres of barren heath were landscaped into one of the most beautiful private parks in England, complete with a large man-made lake. Sadly, mainly because of crippling taxation, the decision was taken to demolish the house in August 1938. Subsequently in 1946 the park and outbuildings were purchased by the National Trust, and members of the public can now enjoy the legacy left by the Dukes of Newcastle.
Once again, the Society was able to fulfil a request for information when Committee members met an Australian writer planning a series of fictional stories. Having visited Edwinstowe in the past she explained that she wished to incorporate historical information about the village, St Mary’s Church and the forest into the young adult adventure novels.
Meetings are held in the Church Rooms, Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe NG21 9NJ on the third Wednesday of the month at 2.00pm, lasting for approximately two hours. The annual subscription is £12.00, and visitors are welcome at a charge of £3.00.
The next meeting of the Society will take place on 21st September, when Linda Hardy will speak about the hop industry in the area. For more information visit www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk or email EdwinstoweHistorySoc@gmail.com.