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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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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.