Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire, England - Photographs and History

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Photographs of Wingfield Manor
in Derbyshire, England

This page features pictures and historical information about the following:
Wingfield Manor, This is located in North Derbyshire.

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• Photos of Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire, England.
Wingfield Manor is located in South Wingfield, Derbyshire near Oakerthorpe. 2 miles west of Alfreton. The entrance to the grounds is on the B5035 road and it is easy to miss it completely as there are no car parking facilities. You have to park on the grass verge or in the small lay-by further up the hill on the other side of the road then walk down.
Once you have parked up you will see a gate with cattle grid, walk through the pedestrian gate and follow the curved path, the path can get muddy and usually has cows wandering over it. You will pass the fishing lake on the left and a small pond on the right, eventually you will reach the gates and the payment kiosk. There are “audible wand” guides that you can borrow as you wander around which will tell you about the history of the place.

The building is a large ruined country mansion, and was built in 1440 by Ralph, Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England. Mary Queen of Scots was imprisoned a Wingfield Manor in 1569, 1584 and 1585. Unoccupied since the 1770s.

Mary Queen of Scots was executed because of her relationship with Anthony Babington, he plotted to murder Queen Elizabeth the first so that Mary would be Queen but the plot was discovered. Anthony used to visit Mary while she was in prison at Wingfield Manor, he dressed as a Gypsy. Legend has it that he used to use the juice from crushed walnuts to rub onto his face to give him a dusky complexion, there is an old walnut tree in the grounds of Wingfield manor which is believed to have grown from one such Walnut!

Over the inner entrance were carved the twin moneybags that were the symbol of Cromwell's status as Chancellor. Perhaps the most impressive part of the surviving structure is the undercroft of the hall, with a vaulted roof supported on strong ribbed pillars.

This has to be one of the most photogenic places I have visited so far, The views from the top of the west tower are breathtaking, Crich stand can be clearly seen to the east.

For a map of the local area click HERE
For a aerial photo with overlayed map click HERE

For details on opening times and entry fee please visit the site HERE.