Nineteen started todays walk of 7.5 miles but almost 1300 feet of climbing so not an easy walk. I called it the 6 halls walk because we passed by 6 historic houses that were scattered alongside our route. Here's a summary of what I passed on to the group. Tracking these houses on a map will show the route. The first one was Woodthorpe hall, originally built 1540 with 17th century additions, timber framed with a cruck roof, interestingly it still has working cider press and sells its product locally. Its now privately owned and also serves as a wedding destination.
The second hall was Fanshaw Gate Hall. The Fanshaw family records around Holmesfield go back to 1375 but could be earlier. The original building dates from 1456 with later additions about 1661. The Fanshaw family died out in 1944. The present owners, the Ramsdens, occasionally open the gardens to the public, a glimpse through to the hall and gardens looked stunning.
Next was Horseley Gate Hall, now privately owned a wedding venue and holiday lets. Built 1783 and extended in1856. The owners occasionally opens gardens to public. The original owners, the Wilsons, they had a factory in Sharrow and were snuff millers. There is a restaurant open Fridays and Saturdays only.
Next on the route was Unthank hall. First recorded 1564 with later additions. This a well known working farm. The Barn is a listed cruck barn and is still in use for the animals. The farm is a renowned local meats producer and its products can be bought online.
The next Hall has so much history that a book could be written about it so forgive me going on a bit. Barlow Woodseats Hall is now a Wedding venue with accommodation and is also a private residence. Built in1530 and originally thatched with a timber crooked roof. There is some evidence of buildings back to 1269. Why is it notable? It was owned by Bess of Hardwick first of her 4 husbands. All of which she outlived and kept the properties. Born at Ault Hucknall near where Hardwick Hall is now, her marriages made her very rich and influential. Bess was first married at 17 to Robert Barlow who owned this house after his father died. Robert died in 1544 at 14 years old !!! on Christmas eve. She eventually inherited all the land and property after a court case, next husbands were Sir William Cavendish, Sir William St.Loe (captain of the yeomen of the guard and member of parliament for all of Derbyshire) and then George Talbot, the Earl of Shrewsbury...tasked with imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots. Cavendish made all his money at court of augmentation and Bess persuaded him to sell all southern holdings and buy the land at Chatsworth luckily for us. The Dukes of Devonshire are descended from her second child.
The main house at Barlow Woodseats was built in 1640, at that time the Barley family were appointed as Lord of the manor by the owners. Various owners of the property were the Earl of Shrewsbury, Earl of Newcastle, purchased in the reign of James the 1st who also owned Clumber and Welbeck), passed by decent to the Duke of Portland (also Clumber and Welbeck), and in 1813 to the Duke of Rutland (Belvoir Castle and Haddon Hall). In 1843 it passed to the Thorold family that can be traced back to Edward the Confessor.
The present owners been there since 2006.Cartledge Hall, The last of the halls is a beautiful building. Another Tudor timber framed house dated 1540, although buildings were there in 1452, family home of the Wolstenholme family. Extended in 17th century.
Thanks to Robert for back marking, and a welcome to Janet our one Hundredth member, on her second Sunday walk. Rehydration taken at the The George in Holmesfield.
