I was pulling up some wooden posts in the garden today when I unearthed a small metal object. Brushing off the earth revealed something that looked like a cross between a castle and a dalek. It’s about 4cm high, hollow, stands on a six-sided base, and seems to be made of bronze. Click here to view a larger image. I really don’t have a clue what it is, and wondered whether anyone might...
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The history of Croxton Abbey is truly fascinating. It was once one of the most powerful and wealthy religious houses in the East Midlands. But today, nothing remains but a few carved stones balanced on a wall in a quiet and secluded valley just north of Waltham. The grandfather of the present Duke of Rutland excavated the site in the early 20th century, mapping the outline of the abbey buildings....
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Keen local historians, David Bowles and Gillian Lane, relate the story of one of Melton’s most famous escapades – the ‘Midnight Steeplechase’. Which has connections with both Thorpe Arnold and Waltham. The article first appeared in the WOTWATA parish newsletter. We’ll reprint the final episode as soon as it’s published. Click here to read part...
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We’ve discovered a map detailing a wide range of ancient earthworks at Croxton Park. Some of them date back to the time of the abbey, but others may be far earlier – perhaps even neolithic burials. The path at the end of the farm track from Bescaby towards Croxton Park has long been a favourite walk of mine. But I hadn’t realised that it was flanked by earthwork banks of what...
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For anyone who loves wandering around some of the wonderful churches in our area, Croxton Kerrial is a must. The central rows of pews are said to have come from Croxton Abbey, following its destruction on the orders of Henry VIII in the 1530s. The intricate medieval carvings on the pews provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. The example on the left is said to be of two...
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After much detective work – and with the help of a number of people – I’ve finally managed to discover the exact position of Croxton Abbey. Before its destruction on the orders of Henry VIII, it was one of the most powerful medieval monasteries in the East Midlands. Today, there’s very little evidence that it ever existed. The site was excavated over a number of years in...
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