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Moseley Old Hall added to National Trust in West Midlands by D0c.Col on 10/03/2024

Moseley Old Hall, situated in Fordhouses, north of Wolverhampton England, holds a significant place in British history as one of the sanctuaries of King Charles II during his desperate flight to France following the defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. Owned by the National Trust today, this Grade II* listed building has witnessed pivotal moments in the country's past.
Originally, the estate belonged to the Cordsall family until it was acquired by Henry Pitt of Bushby, a prominent figure among the Merchants of the Staple, in 1583. Around 1600, Henry constructed what would become known as Moseley Old Hall. This half-timbered structure, nestled in secluded woodland, served as a retreat and home for generations to come. After Henry's passing in 1602, the hall passed to his daughter, Alice Pitt, upon her marriage to Thomas Whitgreave of Bridgeford, Staffordshire.
The hall's historical significance peaked during the aftermath of the Battle of Worcester in 1651, which is also on record as being the last battle of the English Civil War. King Charles II, pursued by Parliamentarians, sought refuge at Moseley Old Hall on September 8th. Disguised in workman's attire and suffering from ill-fitting shoes that had wounded his feet, Charles was warmly received by Thomas Whitgreave, Alice Whitgreave, and John Huddleston, the Catholic priest of the house. They provided him with much-needed rest, nourishment, and care, including tending to his injured feet. Charles spent crucial days in hiding, concealed in a priest-hole within the hall, while outside, a confrontation between Whitgreave and Parliamentarians unfolded. With the help of Huddleston, Charles eventually planned his escape and departed, continuing his journey to safety.
The family residence moved to Moseley Court around the 1820s, which was a new Regency-style house built for George Whitgreave. Few structural changes were made to the Hall until around 1870, when the outer walls of the building were replaced by bricks, and casements replaced the Elizabethan windows. Around that time, a first floor corridor was constructed. Descendants of the Whitgreave family owned the house until 1925, at which point the estate was sold and subsequently used as a farmhouse, falling into a state of disrepair.
In 1940, Will Wiggin initiated restoration efforts, though they were halted by the onset of World War II. Following Wiggin's death, the hall and an acre of land were bequeathed to the National Trust in 1962, leading to its eventual opening to the public a year later. The hall was nearly empty of furniture at the time but both the furnishings and pictures have been subsequently lent or given to the Trust. In 1981 the roof and brickwork were repaired, and the bargeboards and finials were replaced.
Today, Moseley Old Hall stands as a meticulously restored testament to its rich history. Furnished with period pieces, including the original four-poster bed used by Charles II, the hall offers visitors a glimpse into its past. Surrounding the hall is a recreated 17th-century-style enclosed garden, featuring period plants, herb gardens, topiaries, and more, providing a tranquil backdrop to this storied site.
In 2023, the Trust acquired John Huddleston’s prayer book, after it had sold at action for £6900. This rare artefact was owned by the priest who help save Charles II and was present during Charles’ deathbed conversion to Catholicism in 1685. The prayer book is now on display at Mosely Old Hall further enriching the visitor experience and commemorating the hall's role in sheltering the fleeing monarch.

Parking is free and right next to the hall. I TOAL in the adjacent farmers field. Walking back up the entrance road about 100m there was a break in the hedgeline that enabled me to fly from just outside of the NT boundary. The road is not owned by NT but is narrow and I wouldn't advocate flying from there! There a FRZ the other side of the road behind the Hall due to the proximity of Featherstone Prison but should not affect your flight.

View and discuss this location in more detail on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.63743, -2.102769 • what3words: ///bought.boots.salad

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 22/02/2024. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.

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Strutt's North Mill, Amber Valley (By D0c.Col)

Strutt’s North Mill in Belper, Derbyshire — one of the standout landmarks of the Industrial Revolution and part of the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is the first of three historic mills I explored in the area, each one with its own story of innovation and the massive changes that shaped Britain’s industrial past. Stick around, because I’ll be diving into the others in future videos."
Early Development and Industrial Innovation
The story of the Strutt mills began in the late 18th century when Jedediah Strutt, a partner of Richard Arkwright, capitalized on the power of the River Derwent to establish cotton spinning mills in Belper. The original North Mill, completed in 1786, was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1804 by Jedediah’s son, William Strutt, using pioneering fireproof construction methods. This structure was among the first to use an iron frame, brick arches, and cast iron columns – innovations that set the stage for modern industrial architecture.
The Horseshoe Weir: A Monumental Feat of 18th-Century Engineering
A key but often underappreciated component of the Strutt mill complex in Belper is the Horseshoe Weir, a striking and innovative water management structure that played a vital role in powering the mills. Built around 1797, it is now a Grade II* listed structure and stands as a testament to the ingenuity and ambition of early industrial engineers.
Origins and Purpose
The original South and North Mills were initially powered by water held back by a modest weir near what is now the railway bridge. However, as Jedediah Strutt expanded operations to include the West Mill, a much larger and more efficient water supply was required. Plans for this new structure appeared as early as 1796, and construction began shortly thereafter.
The solution was the Horseshoe Weir, named for its distinct curved shape. Its design and capacity dramatically enhanced the control and volume of water available for powering the mill complex. By strategically managing the flow of the River Derwent, the weir transformed the surrounding landscape and water system.
Scale and Modification
The weir was significantly altered and raised twice in the 19th century, in 1819 and 1843, yet it remains largely unchanged in its original function and form. These modifications increased the head of water, allowing for more consistent power generation even during periods of low river flow.
By 1820, the changes brought about by the weir had effectively added 5.8 hectares of water surface to the Derwent near Bridge Foot. This was a dramatic reshaping of the natural landscape for industrial use, underscoring the monumental scale of the Strutts’ enterprise.
Today, the Horseshoe Weir is recognized as one of the most outstanding civil engineering structures of the late 18th century. Its graceful curve, historical integrity, and continued presence offer a powerful visual and functional link to Belper’s industrial past.
Social Impact and Community Building
The Strutt family were not only industrialists but also social reformers. They created an entire community infrastructure around the mills, including housing, schools, and churches. At its zenith, the Strutt mill complex employed nearly 2,000 people, transforming Belper into a thriving industrial town and the second-largest in Derbyshire by 1801.
Decline and Demolition
The 20th century brought significant changes. Many original Strutt buildings – including the West, Junction, and Reeling Mills, along with the distinctive Round Building – were demolished between 1959 and 1966. This drastically altered the landscape of the site. Today, only the North Mill, East Mill, several ancillary structures, and the nearby horseshoe weir survive, offering just a glimpse of what was once a sprawling industrial complex that dominated the town’s economy and skyline.
Museum Era and Recent Challenges
The North Mill operated as a museum for many years under the stewardship of the Belper North Mill Trust, serving as a key educational and tourist destination. It showcased the history of textile manufacturing, the Strutt family, and Belper’s industrial past.
However, in September 2022, the museum closed its doors due to the withdrawal of council funding and increased rental costs. Despite this setback, the Trust continues its mission through guided heritage walks and a virtual tour available online. Exhibits have also been relocated to Cromford Mills in partnership with the Arkwright Society, ensuring the continued public engagement with this important legacy.

TOAL is plentiful, from the Belper River Park behind the mill and across the road that leads to Bridge Foot and the Horseshoe Weir (there is a very convenient wall to sit on directly opposite the mill here).

The mill is unmissable driving through Belper and carparking is freely available just passed Bridge Foot and the Horseshoe Weir. Town is full of the usual amenities and the Belper River Park is a delight to sit and have an icecream.