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Much of the countryside of Annesley was owned by the Chaworth family, one of the great Nottinghamshire families and their legacy still remains on the landscape today. Annesley Hall, set in scenic parkland, is the traditional home of the Chaworth family. In 1805 Mary Anne Chaworth, Byron's first love, married John Musters of Colwick Hall, Nottingham and the Chaworth-Musters legacy was born. Most of the Chaworth-Musters heritage can be seen in Annesley Park between the A608 and the A611.

Annesley Hall

Inside Annesley Park stands the majestic Annesley Hall, a grade II listed building, which is reputed to be one of the most haunted houses in England. By the A608 is Annesley Lodge, another grade II listed building and former gatehouse to the hall.

Annesley Hall and Park are now in private ownership, not open to the public, but views of the park and hall can be seen from Dog and Bear Lane, a public bridleway.

Originally the lane was an avenue of lime trees, some of which were cut into the shape of dogs and bears. A few of the singular lime trees which had formed a stately avenue are still flourishing on the hall side of this delightful lane.

Annesley Churches

The old church, near to the hall, is a grade I listed building and a scheduled ancient monument. Annesley Old Church was mentioned in the works of both Lord Byron and D.H.Lawrence. Like the hall, the church is also rumoured to be haunted!

Also see: All Saints Church, Annesley Park (where the truth about the Byron/Chaworth duel is revealed, and also more information about the Chaworth family)

The Annesley New Church, off Annesley cutting, was built in 1874 with the sinking of Annesley Colliery in 1869. In 1907 the interior of the church was destroyed by fire but was refurbished and opened again for worship in 1909. The chief glories of the building are the Norman Font and the East Window. Historic photographs of the building before, during and after the fire are displayed in the church along with monuments from the old church.

Annesley Forest

Just south of Annesley lies Annesley Forest, an attractive wooded area intersected by Byron's Walk which can take you all the way to Newstead village.

Further south is Diadem Hill, a small round hill with romantic associations with Lord Byron and Mary Chaworth, heir to the Chaworth estates and reputedly his first love. The hill had a crown of trees which, from a distance, looked like the top of a crown or diadem. The hill, from which there was once breathtaking views of Annesley Hall and church, is referred to in several Byron poems, including 'The Dream'.

Also in the wood is a monument placed by the Chaworth-Musters family to mark the birth of a male heir to the family estate.

The Ice House

A short distance from the old church is the early 19th century Ice House, used for food preservation by wealthier members of society. It also helped to cool wine, treat fevers and helped keep rooms cool in the summer.

Ice houses went out of use in the beginning of the 20th Century when fridges became available. Since new road developments, the Ice House has had to be moved just across the road from the lodge.

Stirling Bomber Crash Site & Memorial

On 14 January 1945 a Stirling Bomber crashed in Annesley, killing its five crew members. The bomber crashed on high ground between Annesley Cutting and the A611. A memorial to the crash stands by the A608/A611 roundabout.

Ravenshead

Ravenshead village was originally developed as a tourist retreat for the wealthy members of society in Nottingham. Its tourism focus remains today, including hosting one of the most magnificent tourist attractions in the Midlands, Newstead Abbey.

Longdale Craft Centre
Longdale Lane, Ravenshead
Phone/fax: 01623 794858
www.longdale.co.uk

Recreated Victorian Streets are the settings for the workshops at the craft centre in Ravenshead where you can observe artists working on a whole range of crafts. Longdale Craft Centre is reputedly Britain's oldest and first 'real' craft centre and has now become a craft centre of international reputation, incorporating workshops, a museum and a gallery. A gift shop and licensed restaurant are also available.

Papplewick Pumping Station
Off Longdale Lane, Ravenshead
Phone: 0115 963 2938
www.papplewickpumpingstation.co.uk

The pumping station is Britain's finest Victorian waterworks and the only one in the East Midlands preserved as a working pumping station.

The James Watts steam engines supplied their last water in 1969 after being in service since 1884.

Along with its stained glass windows and gilded birds, visitors will be shown the Victorian ability to combine art and engineering. A local blacksmith uses the original forge and a local wood turner his works on steaming dates.

Landscaped park setting and picnic area, shop, refreshments, café and on-site parking.

Phone for details of opening times, steaming dates, special events, school days and admission charges.

The Hutt at Ravenshead
Nottingham Road (A60), Ravenshead
Phone: 01623 792325

Built opposite Newstead Abbey, the original building was recorded in 1400 as one of the Royal Huts put up in Sherwood Forest by King John, used to house the men patrolling the forest to protect the King's deer.

A tunnel leading from the Hutt to Newstead Abbey was used during the late 17th Century and it is said that it is still haunted by the ghost of a monk who travelled through the tunnel before being chained to a wall and left to perish!

Today the Hutt is a pub and restaurant but still has traditional character and charm - a perfect place for those seeking refreshment and relaxation.

Newstead Abbey Park
Phone:01623 455 900
Fax: 01623 455 904
www.newsteadabbey.org.uk

Located between Newstead village and Ravenshead is Newstead Abbey, a former medieval priory, now a beautiful historic house set in magnificent gardens with parkland extending over 300 acres. The Abbey is best known as being the ancestral home of the poet Lord Byron. On show are Byron's apartments as well as many other 19th century rooms, collections of the poet's manuscripts and letters, together with first editions of his works. The Abbey is also famous for its ghostly legends and the ghost tours are very popular.

Alternatively you could relax in the picturesque gardens which are Grade II listed in the English Heritage register of parks and gardens of historic interest. The themed gardens include a rose garden, a Japanese garden and a sub-tropical garden. There are extensive water features including grand lakes and various waterfalls that dominate the grounds.

The gardens are open all year from 9am until dusk (except for last Friday in November) and the house from 1st April until the 30th September from 12 noon until 5:00 pm. Telephone 01623 455900 for more details of a regular events programme and educational activities.

There is also a gift shop selling an extensive range of souvenirs (open from April to September) and a café that is open from 10.00am daily for drinks, snacks and light lunches.

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