News and events
Meetings in 2014
January: Scientific Techniques in Archaeology and History - Ian Mailer
Ian gave an illustrated talk on non-invasive techniques developed since 1950 to investigate archaeological and historical artefacts. He covered: Dating (using radiocarbon and thermoluminescence), Surveying (using resistivity & magnetometry and LIDAR) and Analysis (to identify specific minerals and foodstuffs using mass spectrometry and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy). He explained the scientific principles behind each technique giving examples of their use. For example:
Ian concluded by challenging the audience to identify features of the LIDAR map of North Chatsworth Park below. Perhaps you can do better than the audience!
January: Scientific Techniques in Archaeology and History - Ian Mailer
Ian gave an illustrated talk on non-invasive techniques developed since 1950 to investigate archaeological and historical artefacts. He covered: Dating (using radiocarbon and thermoluminescence), Surveying (using resistivity & magnetometry and LIDAR) and Analysis (to identify specific minerals and foodstuffs using mass spectrometry and x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy). He explained the scientific principles behind each technique giving examples of their use. For example:
- Surveying the Great Parterre in Chatsworth using magnetometry
- Identifying features such as the old toll road through Chatsworth Park by LIDAR
- Proving Neandertal Man to be completely carnivorous using mass spectrometry
- Determining the origin of the bluestones of Stonehenge by fluorescence spectrometry
Ian concluded by challenging the audience to identify features of the LIDAR map of North Chatsworth Park below. Perhaps you can do better than the audience!
February: The History of Hulley's Buses - Andy Firth
Andy, an omnibus enthusiast, gave the Group a fascinating talk on the History of Hulley`s Buses. Henry Hulley was a local lad who started working on the Chatsworth Estate at the beginning of the 20th century where he encountered early automobiles and became hooked. He became a chauffeur for the guests at the Baslow Hydro Hotel, started his own car hire service, and eventually added charabancs, buses, and coaches. For nearly one hundred years Hulley`s Buses have provided vital transport links for the Peak District Villages.
We were shown many photographs of buses, ancient and modern, battling through atrocious winter weather to reach cut-off villages and meandering through idyllic summer scenes to deposit ramblers in the depths of the countryside. The company diversified into minibuses in the 1980`s when bus services were de-regulated and saw off competition from all would-be rivals. It was even the target of an ultimately abortive take-over by Chesterfield Corporation Buses. Over the years, the buses have had several liveries, but the current ubiquitous cream and blue is seen and recognised all over the Peak.
In recent years, a number of under-subscribed services have had to be discontinued, but other routes are going strong, including school services for Lady Manners School in Bakewell. The company`s head office and bus yard continues to be in Baslow, and it is a significant local employer of drivers and servicing mechanics. The vehicles usually come second-hand from municipal transport departments, but some of the coaches are new and often take holiday trips. All in all, a long-standing commercial success story.
Andy, an omnibus enthusiast, gave the Group a fascinating talk on the History of Hulley`s Buses. Henry Hulley was a local lad who started working on the Chatsworth Estate at the beginning of the 20th century where he encountered early automobiles and became hooked. He became a chauffeur for the guests at the Baslow Hydro Hotel, started his own car hire service, and eventually added charabancs, buses, and coaches. For nearly one hundred years Hulley`s Buses have provided vital transport links for the Peak District Villages.
We were shown many photographs of buses, ancient and modern, battling through atrocious winter weather to reach cut-off villages and meandering through idyllic summer scenes to deposit ramblers in the depths of the countryside. The company diversified into minibuses in the 1980`s when bus services were de-regulated and saw off competition from all would-be rivals. It was even the target of an ultimately abortive take-over by Chesterfield Corporation Buses. Over the years, the buses have had several liveries, but the current ubiquitous cream and blue is seen and recognised all over the Peak.
In recent years, a number of under-subscribed services have had to be discontinued, but other routes are going strong, including school services for Lady Manners School in Bakewell. The company`s head office and bus yard continues to be in Baslow, and it is a significant local employer of drivers and servicing mechanics. The vehicles usually come second-hand from municipal transport departments, but some of the coaches are new and often take holiday trips. All in all, a long-standing commercial success story.
March: Fin Cop Iron Age Hill Fort - Ann Hall
Ann, a BHG member and Chairperson of Longstone Local History Group (LLHG) gave a first had account of the impotent excavations near Great Longstone during 2009 and 2010 to investigate a suspected hill fort on Fin Cop. A Lottery grant of £50,000 for each of the two years was used for the services of a professional archaeologist and to involve the local community who provided willing hands and, where possible, expertise. For example, a retired BBC editor produced a video record. Ann acted as Project Manager (a lot of paper work and co-ordination!)
In the first year community involvement was very local but involved all age groups with many different interests, e.g. a young people's music group, a group of local botanists, and the local art group). In the second year, this was extended to a wider community with the objective of publicising the project. This resulted in lots of involvement; one couple even spent their whole vacation helping with the excavations.
Ann explained the excavation site, objectives finds and conclusions in a series of slides. She explained the basic five-stage format of archaeological research (desk based assessment, survey, excavation, analysis and report writing) and how this had been applied at Fin Cop. The excavation was in the form of Test Pits and then Trenches sited on the results - but only in the 'north field' of the site as the south field had been heavily ploughed many centuries earlier.
There were some exciting discoveries: large amounts of chert (a rock with similar properties to flint) implying the use of tools, some evidence of Neolithic activity, pottery and, most importantly, extensive evidence of human remains, but only of women and children. The success of the project led to the LLHG being awarded a British Archaeological Community Award in 2010. Ann was interviewed many times including for local TV and Radio 4's 'Today' programme. Further research on the site was carried out by Cranfield University in 2012 and will be continued in 2014.
It is now thought that Fin Cop was definitely an Iron Age Hill Fort from around 400BC but destroyed between 10 and 50 years later. Further bodies have been found suggesting that a massacre may have occurred as the fort was destroyed. Further details are available in a leaflet about the site (Fin Cop Hillfort, Solving a Derbyshire Mystery) or on the website http://www.greatlongstone.net
Ann, a BHG member and Chairperson of Longstone Local History Group (LLHG) gave a first had account of the impotent excavations near Great Longstone during 2009 and 2010 to investigate a suspected hill fort on Fin Cop. A Lottery grant of £50,000 for each of the two years was used for the services of a professional archaeologist and to involve the local community who provided willing hands and, where possible, expertise. For example, a retired BBC editor produced a video record. Ann acted as Project Manager (a lot of paper work and co-ordination!)
In the first year community involvement was very local but involved all age groups with many different interests, e.g. a young people's music group, a group of local botanists, and the local art group). In the second year, this was extended to a wider community with the objective of publicising the project. This resulted in lots of involvement; one couple even spent their whole vacation helping with the excavations.
Ann explained the excavation site, objectives finds and conclusions in a series of slides. She explained the basic five-stage format of archaeological research (desk based assessment, survey, excavation, analysis and report writing) and how this had been applied at Fin Cop. The excavation was in the form of Test Pits and then Trenches sited on the results - but only in the 'north field' of the site as the south field had been heavily ploughed many centuries earlier.
There were some exciting discoveries: large amounts of chert (a rock with similar properties to flint) implying the use of tools, some evidence of Neolithic activity, pottery and, most importantly, extensive evidence of human remains, but only of women and children. The success of the project led to the LLHG being awarded a British Archaeological Community Award in 2010. Ann was interviewed many times including for local TV and Radio 4's 'Today' programme. Further research on the site was carried out by Cranfield University in 2012 and will be continued in 2014.
It is now thought that Fin Cop was definitely an Iron Age Hill Fort from around 400BC but destroyed between 10 and 50 years later. Further bodies have been found suggesting that a massacre may have occurred as the fort was destroyed. Further details are available in a leaflet about the site (Fin Cop Hillfort, Solving a Derbyshire Mystery) or on the website http://www.greatlongstone.net
March: 'An Impromptu Walk' - led by David Dalrymple-Smith
David arranged this walk at short notice to take advantage of unseasonably good weather. A small group of members met to investigate the old lead-smelting and quarrying area on the west side of the Sheffield Road to the north-east of Baslow. David showed us traces of ancient pack horse routes to Chesterfield and Sheffield before leading us to the sites of three smelting works, two of which are still obvious. The earliest dated from around 1618 and smelting continued until the early 1800's. This earliest site was later converted to a flour mill whose millpond and sluice are still visible. The second site downstream is covered by silver birch but these are currently being thinned to allow regeneration of oak species. We then visited the sites of several quarries beneath the edge, the source of mill stones which were exported all over the country and overseas for many centuries. This industry vanished almost overnight with the later discovery of more suitable stone in France. David also showed us the remains of a collection of buildings, the nature of which is uncertain but which might have been a very large farmhouse or an old Derbyshire longhouse. Ann Hall was inspired to find out more - watch out for further news. |
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April: 'Family History Workshop - led by David Dawson
Seventeen members of the group attended the workshop. David Dawson facilitated a process to agree the topics to explore and ran table discussions where members explored their own experiences of family history research and the lessons they had learned. The topics chosen were 'how to get started' and 'how to make best use of the internet'. There was insufficient time to explore others, but members wished to know more about 'how best to investigate prior to census data' and 'what sources are available after the 1911 census'. Other topics suggested were researching immigrants and military records. David had prepared a resource pack that contained introductions in all these areas, obtained from a variety of internet sites. This pack together with a write-up of the evenings discussion and his own notes are downloadable from this pdf file:
Seventeen members of the group attended the workshop. David Dawson facilitated a process to agree the topics to explore and ran table discussions where members explored their own experiences of family history research and the lessons they had learned. The topics chosen were 'how to get started' and 'how to make best use of the internet'. There was insufficient time to explore others, but members wished to know more about 'how best to investigate prior to census data' and 'what sources are available after the 1911 census'. Other topics suggested were researching immigrants and military records. David had prepared a resource pack that contained introductions in all these areas, obtained from a variety of internet sites. This pack together with a write-up of the evenings discussion and his own notes are downloadable from this pdf file:
write-up_of_meeting.pdf | |
File Size: | 134 kb |
File Type: |
May: Visit to Renishaw Hall
At 12 noon on a Friday at the beginning of May, a good dozen members of the Group met outside Renishaw Hall at Eckington, to enjoy a guided tour of that historic building. We were taken round by a pleasant and very well informed lady called Margaret, who showed us through all the ground floor of the premises. She explained that the Sitwell Family made its fortune initially from manufacturing iron nails, and then later from coal deposits under their land. The baronetcy had come as a result of one eighteenth century forbear entertaining the Prince Regent. The house itself had started as a central block, then having wings at either side added later, complete with landscaped grounds. There was an imposing entrance hall; splendid dining-room; grand ball-room; library; and large kitchen. As ever, family portraits adorned the walls, including one of the bizarrely named Sitwell Sitwell, who not being in line for the baronetcy had been christened with the family name, only to find he had to take the surname too when, through relation`s deaths, the title did land upon him after all. There was also a touching portrait of the Lady Sitwell, who caused an Edwardian scandal when she went through the bankruptcy courts for a gambling debt. There was much evidence too, in the form of paintings and photographs, of the talented twentieth century trio of Osbert Sitwell, Edith Sitwell, and Sacheverel Sitwell, who were pre-eminent writers, poets, and performers during the 1920`s and 30`s. Indeed, the library had copies of all their works. Finally, certain walls had been finely decorated by murals done by the modern artist, John Piper, some depicting the Hall itself and local scenes. Above all though, there was an over-riding feeling of homeliness pervading the place, as it is still very frequently used by the current family, namely Alexandra Haywood (the daughter of the late Sir Reresby Sitwell) and her husband and chidren. Such accounted for some endearing eccentricities placed around, like the spectacles and the handbag adorning two fierce carved statues of warriors in the front hall !
At 12 noon on a Friday at the beginning of May, a good dozen members of the Group met outside Renishaw Hall at Eckington, to enjoy a guided tour of that historic building. We were taken round by a pleasant and very well informed lady called Margaret, who showed us through all the ground floor of the premises. She explained that the Sitwell Family made its fortune initially from manufacturing iron nails, and then later from coal deposits under their land. The baronetcy had come as a result of one eighteenth century forbear entertaining the Prince Regent. The house itself had started as a central block, then having wings at either side added later, complete with landscaped grounds. There was an imposing entrance hall; splendid dining-room; grand ball-room; library; and large kitchen. As ever, family portraits adorned the walls, including one of the bizarrely named Sitwell Sitwell, who not being in line for the baronetcy had been christened with the family name, only to find he had to take the surname too when, through relation`s deaths, the title did land upon him after all. There was also a touching portrait of the Lady Sitwell, who caused an Edwardian scandal when she went through the bankruptcy courts for a gambling debt. There was much evidence too, in the form of paintings and photographs, of the talented twentieth century trio of Osbert Sitwell, Edith Sitwell, and Sacheverel Sitwell, who were pre-eminent writers, poets, and performers during the 1920`s and 30`s. Indeed, the library had copies of all their works. Finally, certain walls had been finely decorated by murals done by the modern artist, John Piper, some depicting the Hall itself and local scenes. Above all though, there was an over-riding feeling of homeliness pervading the place, as it is still very frequently used by the current family, namely Alexandra Haywood (the daughter of the late Sir Reresby Sitwell) and her husband and chidren. Such accounted for some endearing eccentricities placed around, like the spectacles and the handbag adorning two fierce carved statues of warriors in the front hall !
June: Visit to Arbor Low Stone Circle
Seventeen members and guests met in the car park at the farm near Arbor Low Stone Circle where an honesty box is provided for the £1 per person ‘trespass’ fee. John Barnatt, Senior Survey Archaeologist at the Peak District National Park Authority, was our guide for the evening. John is the author of many archaeology books including several on stone circles and the definitive guidebook to Arbor Low.
The next two hours passed quickly. As the group walked to the site, John explained that Arbor Low is a late Neolithic henge and consists of an oval of around 50 limestone stones, none remaining upright, some missing and some broken. At the centre is a stone ‘cove’. There is a deep quarry ditch around the stones and surrounding this a large bank. There are two gaps in the ditch and bank that form wide entrances. At one point on the bank a later large round barrow has been built. John spoke of the various theories relating to the site, and how they have varied over time as new knowledge has come to light and fashions in archaeology have changed. He also described the various archaeological excavations that have taken place. The site of Arbor Low, on the top of a ridge, is visible for some distance, however it would have been impossible to view what was happening inside.
Outside the henge there is a low bank and ditch, John suggested that this could simply be an ancient field boundary built at a later date.
We then walked to Gib Hill, about 300m south west of Arbor Low. The name suggests it may have been used as a place for a gibbet. Gib Hill is a massive barrow consisting of an Early Bronze Age round barrow on top of an earlier Neolithic long barrow. In the 1840s Thomas Bateman dug a tunnel into the mound. A stone ‘box’ fell through the roof of the tunnel and the capstone of this ‘box’ can now be seen on the summit.
The meeting closed as the light began to fade. Mike Woffenden thanked John on behalf of the group for such a fascinating introduction to these nationally important local sites.
July: Visit to Padley Chapel
External and Internal views of Padley Chapel
18 Members and Guests met at Padley Chapel, a few minutes walk from Grindleford railway station. This is a Grade I listed former gatehouse to Padley Hall. Part of the upper storey was originally used as a domestic chapel. After extensive renovations, it is still in use today as a Roman Catholic Chapel with regular services; baptisms and weddings are also celebrated. There is also an annual Padley Pilgrimage open to all.
Catherine Hand gave the group a most informative talk on the history of the Chapel. Although there is evidence of occupation from Norman times and, perhaps, even some Saxon remains, she set her talk in the context of Henry VIII’s reign and the Reformation through to the civil war. She explained the complicated religious issues of those times and pointed out how the political situation was very much interconnected with religion. Catherine also explained the history of the families who lived at Padley Hall. Finally she described the events leading to the persecution and ultimate execution of the two Roman Catholic Priests, Robert Ludlam and Nicholas Garlick on 24th July 1588, in Derby – the Padley Martyrs.
The group then explored the interior of the Chapel, especially noting the intricate scale model of the Chapel and the Hall made by Sheffield University students. Catherine then took the group outside and explained the layout and possible functions of the ruins of the Hall.
Mike Woffenden thanked Catherine on behalf of the group for such an interesting insight into such a wonderful mediaeval building. Although it is so near to Baslow and most of the group were familiar with it externally, few had been inside or appreciated its colourful history.
18 Members and Guests met at Padley Chapel, a few minutes walk from Grindleford railway station. This is a Grade I listed former gatehouse to Padley Hall. Part of the upper storey was originally used as a domestic chapel. After extensive renovations, it is still in use today as a Roman Catholic Chapel with regular services; baptisms and weddings are also celebrated. There is also an annual Padley Pilgrimage open to all.
Catherine Hand gave the group a most informative talk on the history of the Chapel. Although there is evidence of occupation from Norman times and, perhaps, even some Saxon remains, she set her talk in the context of Henry VIII’s reign and the Reformation through to the civil war. She explained the complicated religious issues of those times and pointed out how the political situation was very much interconnected with religion. Catherine also explained the history of the families who lived at Padley Hall. Finally she described the events leading to the persecution and ultimate execution of the two Roman Catholic Priests, Robert Ludlam and Nicholas Garlick on 24th July 1588, in Derby – the Padley Martyrs.
The group then explored the interior of the Chapel, especially noting the intricate scale model of the Chapel and the Hall made by Sheffield University students. Catherine then took the group outside and explained the layout and possible functions of the ruins of the Hall.
Mike Woffenden thanked Catherine on behalf of the group for such an interesting insight into such a wonderful mediaeval building. Although it is so near to Baslow and most of the group were familiar with it externally, few had been inside or appreciated its colourful history.
September: Tour of Tissington Hall
For logistic reasons, this visit could not be organised as a group tour so a few members attended as individuals and joined one of the public tours available.
We learned that the hall was built in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert to replace a moated fortification that guarded the Norman Church that straddles the hill in the centre of the village. A Baronetcy was conferred on Sir William FitzHerbert in 1784 by George III for his role as 'Gentleman Usher to the King'. The present incumbent, Sir Richard FitzHerbert, the 9th holder of the title, celebrated 400 years of the hall's history with lectures, guided walks and several visitor days when the listed building is open to the public.
For logistic reasons, this visit could not be organised as a group tour so a few members attended as individuals and joined one of the public tours available.
We learned that the hall was built in 1609 by Francis FitzHerbert to replace a moated fortification that guarded the Norman Church that straddles the hill in the centre of the village. A Baronetcy was conferred on Sir William FitzHerbert in 1784 by George III for his role as 'Gentleman Usher to the King'. The present incumbent, Sir Richard FitzHerbert, the 9th holder of the title, celebrated 400 years of the hall's history with lectures, guided walks and several visitor days when the listed building is open to the public.
Views of the front and rear of the building
The main part of the building itself houses the Main Hall, the Dining Room, 2 State Drawing-Rooms and various associated rooms around its centre with the hall facing due East. Over the centuries many wings have been added to the core structure of the house most notably by Joseph Pickford of Derby in the late 18th century and then, around 1900, by the eminent architect Arnold Mitchell who constructed the Library and Billiard Room. These rooms were all visited.
The main part of the building itself houses the Main Hall, the Dining Room, 2 State Drawing-Rooms and various associated rooms around its centre with the hall facing due East. Over the centuries many wings have been added to the core structure of the house most notably by Joseph Pickford of Derby in the late 18th century and then, around 1900, by the eminent architect Arnold Mitchell who constructed the Library and Billiard Room. These rooms were all visited.
October: Annual General Meeting followed by Family History workshop update
16 members attended the AGM. The minutes of the meeting together with the accounts and projected budget are available on request from a member of the committee.
David Dawson thengave a brief resume to the group of the key points from the Family History Workshop earlier in the year. Members then gave updates on their progress with individual projects.
16 members attended the AGM. The minutes of the meeting together with the accounts and projected budget are available on request from a member of the committee.
David Dawson thengave a brief resume to the group of the key points from the Family History Workshop earlier in the year. Members then gave updates on their progress with individual projects.
- Anne Tempest had information regarding a Great Uncle Benjamin who was involved in the Cadeby mining disaster in 1912 and awarded a civilian medal (Anne has this medal) for his heroism. The catalyst for her research was a booklet about Wath-Upon-Dearne her window cleaner had shown her!
- Mike Woffenden’s family history had previously been researched by another family member. He had therefore decided to investigate a great uncle, Johnny Trotter, who was killed in WWI. His researches had revealed a good amount of very useful information.
- Andrew Treves told of the difficulty he was encountering in his family research (mainly via censuses and parish records). He was finding many dead ends, transcribing errors etc.
- Anne Dawson told of her research into the deaths of her Great Grandfather’s wife and 5 of his 9 children. She used the FREEBMD website to narrow the search for the children who had died and sent for the death certificates for confirmation that the correct child had been found. There was still one child to be identified.
November: ‘Tommy Got His Gun’ - David Upton
This was a very well attended meeting to hear David, the local SPAR owner, give a presentation on the British soldier of 1914-18. David had been interested in World War I since the age of 10. His talk was based on the 22 names on Baslow’s War Memorial and told their war stories in chronological order in the context of World War I. We heard how a soldier in August 1914 was most likely to be a farm labourer or a factory worker, how men volunteered for many reasons, such as poverty or perhaps the fear of being shown the white feather. Baslow men served in many different regiments and in a variety of locations other than the Western Front including Gallipoli and at sea.
David gave us a brief insight into each man’s life story and where, when and how they had fallen. He also explained the events of the war that were happening at the time, and how innovations such as iron helmets, grenades and tanks were introduced. David had a wealth of information, and very many slides which could have formed the basis for many more talks.
Some of the memorable details were:
After the talk members were able to examine, and in some cases try on, some of David’s collection of genuine/museum quality kit.
Mike Woffenden thanked David on behalf of the group for such a well researched, poignant and interesting talk.
This was a very well attended meeting to hear David, the local SPAR owner, give a presentation on the British soldier of 1914-18. David had been interested in World War I since the age of 10. His talk was based on the 22 names on Baslow’s War Memorial and told their war stories in chronological order in the context of World War I. We heard how a soldier in August 1914 was most likely to be a farm labourer or a factory worker, how men volunteered for many reasons, such as poverty or perhaps the fear of being shown the white feather. Baslow men served in many different regiments and in a variety of locations other than the Western Front including Gallipoli and at sea.
David gave us a brief insight into each man’s life story and where, when and how they had fallen. He also explained the events of the war that were happening at the time, and how innovations such as iron helmets, grenades and tanks were introduced. David had a wealth of information, and very many slides which could have formed the basis for many more talks.
Some of the memorable details were:
- The first Baslow casualty was Captain John Francis Hodgkinson, a career soldier who lived at Rose Hill Farm.
- The final Baslow casualty, tragically 3 days before the end of the war on 8th November 1918, was Gunner Arnold Joseph Froggatt, a conscript, born at Gorse Bank Farm, and then living in New Houses, Bubnell Lane.
- The most famous surname on the memorial is that of Major Basil Ziani De Ferranti MC, who lived at Baslow Hall, now Fischers’ restaurant.
- Not a Baslow resident, Lance Corporal William ‘Bill’ Coltman, became a stretcher bearer, was awarded the Victoria Cross and other medals, and was the most decorated ‘other rank’.
After the talk members were able to examine, and in some cases try on, some of David’s collection of genuine/museum quality kit.
Mike Woffenden thanked David on behalf of the group for such a well researched, poignant and interesting talk.
December: ‘Lady Arbella Stuart – The Queen That Never Was’ a talk by local historian, David Templeman
This was a fascinating talk with all the ingredients for a blockbuster TV series. We learnt of the close royal blood connections of Arbella, the daughter of Charles Stuart and Elizabeth Cavendish. Her early life was spent with her guardian, Bess of Hardwick, followed by times at Elizabeth’s court. King James was very troubled by her existence, and the possibility that she might threaten his succession. When Arbella finally married and attempted to start a new life on the continent, she was captured by James, and died a prisoner in the Tower of London. Many of the great local houses, Chatsworth, Hardwick Old Hall, Sheffield Castle, Sheffield Manor Lodge etc have connections with Arbella which gave the story even more interest.
David illustrated his talk with many quotations and contemporary portraits. It was a highly enjoyable evening.
On behalf of the members Mike Woffenden thanked David for such an entertaining talk and the possibility of a guided group visit to Bishop’s House and Sheffield Manor Lodge was raised. It is hoped that this can be arranged in June 2015.
This was a fascinating talk with all the ingredients for a blockbuster TV series. We learnt of the close royal blood connections of Arbella, the daughter of Charles Stuart and Elizabeth Cavendish. Her early life was spent with her guardian, Bess of Hardwick, followed by times at Elizabeth’s court. King James was very troubled by her existence, and the possibility that she might threaten his succession. When Arbella finally married and attempted to start a new life on the continent, she was captured by James, and died a prisoner in the Tower of London. Many of the great local houses, Chatsworth, Hardwick Old Hall, Sheffield Castle, Sheffield Manor Lodge etc have connections with Arbella which gave the story even more interest.
David illustrated his talk with many quotations and contemporary portraits. It was a highly enjoyable evening.
On behalf of the members Mike Woffenden thanked David for such an entertaining talk and the possibility of a guided group visit to Bishop’s House and Sheffield Manor Lodge was raised. It is hoped that this can be arranged in June 2015.