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Nunnington Hall added to National Trust in Yorkshire and the Humber by D0c.Col on 28/11/2024

Nunnington Hall, an historic country house in North Yorkshire, England, is renowned for its picturesque setting along the River Rye. Managed by the National Trust, this stately home blends architectural charm, rich interiors, and centuries of history, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
The site has been occupied since medieval times, though the current structure primarily dates to the 16th and 17th centuries. A stone bridge over the river separates the grounds of the house from the village, and its name likely originates from a nunnery that predated the Norman Conquest and was dissolved around 1200. In the medieval era, the land was owned by St. Mary’s Abbey in York.
The house’s earliest surviving sections, now part of the west front, were built by William Parr, 1st Marquess of Northampton and brother of Queen Catherine Parr. After his estate was forfeited in 1553 for his role in attempting to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne, the property was leased to tenants. One notable tenant was Dr. Robert Huicke, physician to both Catherine Parr and Elizabeth I, though he never resided at Nunnington. The estate was managed by stewards, with the Norcliffe family, starting in 1583, making significant alterations over the next six decades.
Ownership of the manor changed hands multiple times. By 1655, Ranald Graham acquired it, succeeded by his nephew Sir Richard Graham, later Viscount Preston. The estate faced confiscation in 1689 due to Viscount Preston’s involvement in attempting to support James II, but it was later restored after his pardon. Following the 3rd Viscount Preston’s death in 1739, the property passed to relatives, eventually becoming part of the Norton Conyers Graham family. In 1839 it was purchased by William Rutson for a little over £152,000. His family used the property as a sporting lodge, and used Newby Wiske Hall in Northallerton as their main home.
In 1920, the hall was inherited by Margaret Rutson, who, along with her husband, undertook extensive renovations in the 1920s, under the architect Walter Brierley. Margaret bequeathed Nunnington Hall, its gardens, and a £25,000 property maintenance fund, about £900,000 at 2024 prices, to the National Trust in 1952.
Nunnington Hall reflects evolving tastes across generations. Its stone façade and mullioned windows convey understated Tudor elegance, while the interiors feature period furnishings, tapestries, and historic furniture. Notable among its treasures is the Carlisle Collection of intricately detailed miniature rooms.
Throughout the year, Nunnington Hall hosts a variety of events, including art exhibitions, family activities, and seasonal celebrations. On the day of my visit The Sealed Knot had been invited to ‘populate’ this historic building in order to illustrate what life would have been like there, in the 17th century, providing a glimpse of everyday life in those days gone by.
Nunnington Hall is steeped in history, and like many historic homes, it has its share of ghostly lore that intrigues visitors and adds an air of mystery to its stately halls. Among the most famous tales is that of The Grey Lady, a spectral figure said to wander the halls and grounds of the estate.
Legend suggests that the Grey Lady might be the spirit of a former servant or a member of the family who met a tragic end. She is often associated with feelings of melancholy or sadness, and some visitors and staff have reported glimpses of her in the shadows, or hearing faint, inexplicable sounds, like footsteps in empty rooms or the rustling of skirts.
Set within eight acres of organically managed grounds, the hall boasts formal walled gardens, an organic vegetable garden, orchards, and seasonal flowers. These gardens, along with the abundant wildlife that live amongst the meandering river, enhance the hall's serene rural setting.
Nunnington Hall stands as a captivating blend of history, beauty, and intrigue, inviting visitors to step back in time while exploring its storied past, enchanting gardens, and perhaps even a lingering whisper of its ghostly legends.

As it is a National Trust Property it is best to TOAL outside their boundary lines. See my TOAL and Parking pins for info.

It's pretty remote there so advise taking a comfort break before you go, unless of course you intend to go inside the hall, which I highly recommend.

There is a Yellow Aerodrome Warning Zone that encroaches on the site so be mindful of light aircraft in the area.

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

Co-ordinates: 54.20661, -0.974326 • what3words: ///choice.manifests.bespoke

The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 02/11/2024. 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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Hilden Mill (By Soupc)

Derelict linen factory, over grown and a glorified birds nest.
Surrounded by a metal fence.
Easy parking.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.51986, -6.023072 • what3words: ///soils.drip.cargo

Stokesay Castle, South Shropshire (By D0c.Col)

Stokesay Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval manor houses in England, with a fascinating history that blends elements of fortified architecture and domestic comfort. Here's a rundown of its story:
Laurence of Ludlow, one of the richest men in England thanks to the wool trade, started building Stokesay around 1281. He acquired a license to fortify the house in 1291, as a sign of wealth and prestige rather than a real need for defence. The castle’s layout, with it’s central great hall, flanking towers, and a moat, demonstrated a blend of domestic luxury and symbolic strength. Laurence died in a shipwreck off the coast of Ireland in 1294, leaving his project largely complete.
The 14th Century was a period of Prosperity and Consolidation for the family, who retained their ownership of Stokesay, and the castle remained a comfortable rural retreat. The estate benefitted from the ongoing wool trade, which continued to fund both improvements and the maintenance of the property. Although there were no major architectural changes made, the property stayed in active use, with the great hall still at the centre of domestic life.
The 15th Century was largely dominated by the Wars of the Roses where supporters of the Houses of Lancaster and York battled each other to gain control of the English throne. By 1471, it had resulted in the end of the Lancastrian male line, and the subsequent creation of the Tudor dynasty via the union of the two houses through marriage. However, throughout the civil war, Stokesay stayed relatively untouched due to its remote location and lack of military value.
It was during this period Stokesay Castle’s Ownership transitioned by marriage to the Vernon family, a well-established gentry who made the castle their home. There were some subsequent additions made to the property, but mostly minor such as improved fireplaces and windows, reflecting changes in domestic living standards of the time.
The 16th Century and the Tudor period brought peace and prosperity, for the Vernons and they continued to occupy and enjoy the castle. Further modifications in line with the time such as interior panelling, updated furnishings, and subtle architectural tweaks were added for comfort, and as a private residence, it retained its medieval character while adapting to Renaissance tastes.
In the 17th Century Stokesay had passed onto William Craven, 1st Earl of Craven, who was a courtier and soldier from London. One of the wealthiest peers in England he was a keen supporter of King Charles I, and therefore it was no surprise that he took the side of the Royalists during the English Civil War. In 1645, the castle was garrisoned by Royalists but surrendered without bloodshed to the Parliamentarians. As was the way during this turbulent period of English history, Parliament ordered its fortifications dismantled, but since it wasn’t truly defensive, only light damage occurred. It was around this time when the timber-framed gatehouse, built around 1640, some 2 years before the war had started, remained unscathed and is now a signature feature of the property.
During the 18th Century the castle began to fall into disrepair as it was no longer used as a main residence. Romantic ruin culture took hold, where visitors saw it as a relic of a lost age. There was no major restoration undertaken at this time, but its picturesque decay continued to draw the attention of antiquarians and artists.
In 1869, John Derby Allcroft, a Victorian philanthropist, and a wealthy glove manufacturer purchased Stokesay Castle and initiated its restoration, sensitively repairing the structure while preserving its medieval elements.

The castle survived both World Wars without damage as Allcroft's descendants continued to own the castle, opening it to the public and dedicating funds from admissions towards upkeep. However, due to the increasing cost of maintenance, Jewell Magnus-Allcroft, the last Allcroft family member to own the castle, entered an agreement with English Heritage in 1986. English Heritage assumed responsibility for the castle's preservation during her lifetime and inherited ownership upon her death in 1992.

Today it continues to be a popular historic site, with visitor-friendly interpretation and events with the emphasis of preservation, digital archiving, and community engagement. Stokesay Castle is a rare example of a medieval building that has never been significantly altered or rebuilt, making it invaluable for historians and tourists alike.

I TOAL from the English Heritage carpark, which on the date of visit cost £3.50. The carpark is very close to the castle and VLOS is easily maintained, however, as English Heritage has a 'no drones' policy I wouldn't advise this approach. Instead TOAL close to the entrance to the Church where I believe the road is open to the public.

There is a cafe and toilets on their carpark so comfort breaks are well taken care of!

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.43027, -2.831084 • what3words: ///slave.deodorant.smuggled

Barden Tower, Skipton, Craven (By markas)

The tower was used as a hunting lodge in the 15th and 16th centuries, and despite a renovation in the 1650s, it fell into disrepair in the 18th century. The tower is now part of the Bolton Estate and is listed as a medieval fortified tower.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 54.01074, -1.923906 • what3words: ///legal.lofts.yesterday

Rusper Park, Horsham (By grandad1950)

A lot of space to fly at Rusper Park with good views of the village and the surrounding countryside

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.1241, -0.280677 • what3words: ///disputes.lawyer.compress

Kylesku Bridge, Lairg (By AlbionDrones)

The iconic Kylesku Bridge on the NC500, remote and isolated, but so worth the effort to visit.

There is a free car park at either side of the bridge, allowing a safe place to stop, soak up the view and a good TOAL spot with great VLOS - although you are on the edge of EGR610 RAF Operational Low Flying Zone, so do check out the RAF Low Fly timetable - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/operational-low-flying-training-timetable - before flying, and if in doubt ring the RAF Low Flying hotline - 01489443100

The bridge itself is an imposing concrete edifice, but the scenery is what makes the location amazing, the rapid tidal flow beneath the bridge, and the contrast between the brutal concrete and the mist-softened mountains is something quite amazing to see.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 58.25721, -5.023556 • what3words: ///crop.stubbed.pocketed

Cudworth Manor, Mole Valley (By grandad1950)

Cudworth Manor is a moated privately owned historic manor house in Newdigate Surrey.

Not a lot of space to park

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.16286, -0.268934 • what3words: ///wisely.shrimp.tender

Capel Village Green, Mole Valley (By grandad1950)

A quiet village green in Capel Surrey. Nice pond and a good spot to chill out

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.15038, -0.3216 • what3words: ///area.rooms.march

Pevensey Castle, Wealden (By grandad1950)

Dating from AD 290 it was the largest Roman Saxon fortresses in England.

TOAL restricted on the English Heritage site so best done from the car park.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 50.81924, 0.333981 • what3words: ///tulip.called.glance

The Museum of Making, Derby (By D0c.Col)

The Museum of Making is located right next to the river Derwent and the banks along the river have been landscaped to take in the fabulous bridges, weir and old and new buildings as part of a regeneration of the area into an enjoyable parkland.

Celebrating the area’s rich history of innovation, the Museum of Making in the Derwent Valley Mills UNESCO World Heritage Site is a contemporary space telling Derby’s 300-year history of making to inspire new creativity on what is widely regarded as the site of the world’s first factory.

There are loads of places to TOAL, but parking in a city is not easy or free. I visited twice and was able to park behind the Derby Cathedral for an hour that cost £1.40.

It is in a yellow warning zone but not a problem for a <250g drone. There is also the sub station adjacent to the Museum that could give electrical interference but I kept away from it and had no issues with my signal that 100% in the 13 minutes or so I was there.

It's in a city so there is never an issue with food etc, but the museum is free to enter and they have toilets and a cafe.

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 52.92582, -1.475692 • what3words: ///hurt.vent.those

Ifield Mill Pond, Crawley (By grandad1950)

A lovely spot to fly and relax on the edge of Crawley. Quite a lot of wildlife and a really good walkway over the ponds.

Quite close to Gatwick FRZ so take care when flying

View and discuss this location on Grey Arrows.

Co-ordinates: 51.10934, -0.224281 • what3words: ///holly.winner.steps


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