Friends of Firbeck Hall

NEWSLETTER ISSUE 12 December 2011

Chairman’s Report enabling development. We expressed concern that the Hall grounds could be developed at the expense of the main Despite the lack of apparent progress at Firbeck Hall, a fabric of the Hall. RMBC confirmed that enabling great deal of effort has been put in behind the scenes to development would be considered at Firbeck Hall as it was enable things to move forward. First, the committee held a likely to be justified. RMBC explained the legal productive meeting with the owner of Firbeck Hall, Mr mechanism whereby a section 106 contractual agreement Jason Cooper, in September. The intention of the meeting can be formed between the developer and RMBC which was to open dialogue with Mr Cooper to understand more would see the first stages of substantial restoration work about his plans and intentions for the Hall and its started on the Hall prior to the commencement of any surroundings. During the course of the meeting, Mr Cooper approved enabling development works. RMBC further showed the committee his plans for West Lodge and the confirmed that the scale of enabling development is proposed improvements to the entrance and gates to determined by and limited to the derivation of a profit Firbeck Hall. The plans were complete, however they were figure equivalent to the budget that is required to restore the not ready for final submission as a series of tree surveys building. They agreed that in the case of Firbeck Hall, this was required by RMBC to enable the plans to be submitted. could lead to a substantial enabling development scheme, The committee welcomed this development and but noted that it would still have to fit within both current understands that this tree survey work has now been planning policy and the local development framework, completed. We therefore look forward to the forthcoming noting that Firbeck Hall and grounds are located entirely submission of the plans for West Lodge and the entrance within the green belt. It was confirmed that this process gates and the commencement of work on site as we believe had not started. RMBC also confirmed that they had it will create a significant improvement both to the Hall and regular constructive dialogue with Mr Cooper and his the approach to Firbeck village. representatives.

The subject of the future of the main Firbeck Hall buildings Evidently the issue of the restoration of Firbeck Hall was discussed. Mr Cooper confirmed that it was still his presents substantial challenges for both the current owner intention to seek to restore the Hall as a private residence. and the planning and conservation department, which we The committee asked a series of questions about timescales recognise has limited resources when compared to other and expressed concern regarding the condition of the councils. The complex issues we are learning about from buildings. Mr Cooper explained that despite the poor visual the owner, the council and the heritage bodies clearly condition both his structural engineer and RMBC were indicate that the development process is likely to take a generally satisfied with the condition of the important significant amount of time. As a voluntary body, FoFH elements of the buildings. He confirmed that much of the recognises its own limitations, however we remain fully roof, interior floors and all windows would have to be committed to acting as a reliable conduit of information and replaced, together with substantial treatment of dry rot forum for dialogue between the owner, RMBC, our throughout the building before any improvements to the members, and the local community in order to encourage interior could be considered. Mr Cooper indicated that this positive action. would be likely to take considerable time and in order to help to fund this he would be discussing the scope of I would like to take this opportunity to thank the committee enabling development with RMBC. The meeting adjourned for their continued dedication throughout 2011. Thank you on good terms and Mr Cooper offered to meet with us again to everyone who has made a donation to enable our to review progress. newsletter costs to be covered and thank you to all of our

318 members for your continued support. As a result of this meeting, we felt that it was necessary to have an update with the planning and conservation Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. department of RMBC. The agenda for the meeting centred on gaining a further understanding of the system of Simon Drohan, December 2011

RAF Firbeck Memorial by Julia Colver The Early Days of Firbeck Aerodrome by Julia Colver lthough it seems a long time ago now, just before Aour last Newsletter went out in August we Leading on from the RAF memorial, we are indebted informed you of the progress on the memorial cairn to Mr Michael Kennedy who kindly contacted us and erected in memory of the three RAF squadrons 613, has allowed us to to share some photographs of the 654 and 659 based here in World War 2, organised by construction of the airfield by Aero Club, a the Airfield Research Group and Friends of Firbeck selection of these photos is given below – the quality Hall. of the originals is exceptional. If anyone has any old photos of Firbeck Hall or the airfield, please contact RAF Firbeck Dedication Ceremony Valerie Oxley on the number given at the end of the Newsletter.

th The dedication service took place on 25 August on a beautiful sunny day. Rev. Canon Judith Trickett The Clubhouse conducted the service and Lord Scarbrough kindly gave an introductory speech followed by the unveiling by Wing Commander John Bates OBE DL.

After wreath laying and the Last Post, a flypast by a Tiger Moth over the airfield was arranged at the last minute as the Auster that was booked was unable to come due to a poor weather forecast. The flypast brought a tear to a few eyes, both young and old as the service meant a great deal to the many war veterans attending and young people alike. We had a wonderful attendance of about 160 people and a buffet at the Black Lion was enjoyed by 100 people.

The Jaeger Girls

The Hangar (to the south of airfield)

Tiger Moth flypast against the sun Taken by Capt Leonard A K Halcomb, 1938/39, former Director,

Sheffield Aero Club Ltd © M L Kennedy

What do we know about West Lodge? By Valerie two bedrooms on the first floor. Outside Offices Oxley comprised Coals, two Piggeries and a Large Garden. The Lodge was let on a yearly basis to Mr F. Hall at an apportioned rent of £6 10s 6d

The 1986 English Heritage Grade 11 Listing states:-

“Lodge Mid C19, for the Firbeck Hall Estate. Coursed, squared limestone, stone slate roof, L- shaped plan, entered from the rear. 2 storeys. Gabled bay on left has 3-light chamfered, mullioned windows with cornice beneath similar 2-light window; ashlar kneelers and copings toogee-shaped gable in style matching Firbeck Hall. Bay set back on right has matching ground-floor window of 2 lights. Diagonally-set stack at angle of plan has 4 shafts each with thin band. Rear, part-glazed 6-panel door

West Lodge and Chestnut Avenue 1909 in chamfered ashlar surround with Tudor-arched lintel, blind single-light window over has cornice. Right return: as front but with gable on right and bay 1 blind.”

If you enjoyed the talk by Jonathan Hunt at the AGM, you will enjoy his book Unicorns:-

Unicorns covers the history of the based volunteer cavalry regiment, from 1794 when they were raised as part of the Nottinghamshire Yeomanry until the end of the nineteenth century. Jonathan will be publishing a second book in 2014 entitled Hard Fighting covering the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry’s war service from 1900 to the West Lodge and Chestnut Avenue 2011 present day, all details on this on the publisher’s website below. When the Firbeck Hall Estate came up for sale in 1909, the particulars contained the following PUBLISHER’S WEBSITE: www.pen-and-sword.co.uk description:-

FIRBECK HALL ESTATE in the WEST RIDING of on the Borders of Nottinghamshire. It comprises the greater part of the PARISH OF FIRBECK, and also portions of the PARISHES OF MALTBY, THROAPHAM, LETWELL, LOUGHTON, STYRRUP, AND . The District is remarkably healthy and affords good Social advantages, whilst Hunting can be enjoyed with the Lord Fitzwilliam’s (Wentworth & Grove) Foxhounds. The Woods and Plantations in hand extend to some 148 Acres, and are capable of holding a large Head of Game. The streams which intersect and bound the Estate for some miles, have been stocked with Trout.

The Stately Mansion is approached through a grandly timbered Park, which extends to some 200 Acres, by three carriage drives each guarded by a STONE James Holland, the military historian, writes in the BUILT ENTRANCE LODGE. The Firbeck drive is foreward;- bordered by a well grown avenue of Chestnut Trees, flanked by Coniferae and Yews. “Jonathan Hunt’s research is impeccable, and extends far beyond the reaches of the Shire, for what makes this book so absorbing is The 1934 sale describes WEST LODGE as a the context that he brings to the narrative. There are many substantial stone built and slated Lodge containing on wonderful details, but also invaluable explanations, which makes this as much a general social history as an account of the birth the ground floor a living room and kitchen with and growth of the Sherwood Rangers Yeomanry”

Amelia Staniforth’s Firbeck Hall Journals Wigthorpe. She is friendly with Lady Louisa Lumley by Valerie Oxley and on January 21st 1791 Amelia records “Friday morning ½ past eleven Lady Louisa Lumley call’d of The Mysterious Mrs W and little Miss W Miss Worsley, they rode to Wallingwells and then to Sandbeck” e have been puzzled for some time about Wreferences to a ‘Mrs W and Miss W’ in Amelia The 1791 journal has many fascinating references to Staniforth’s 18th century Journal, but following a little Mrs Worsley and her daughter, the following is a sleuthing by Julia and Valerie the identity of Mrs and typical entry “25 June, Saturday morning, Amelia Miss W can be revealed! walk’d down the Walk and in the garden, after 12 Lady Sophie Lumley call’d and rode with Miss Mrs W was in fact Dorothy Pennyman, who married Worsley up Lawn etc, after two, Lady Mary the Rev. James Worsley, second son of Thomas and Lady Sophie came in the Phaeton and stay’d Worsley (1686 -1750) of Hovingham Hall and above ½ an hour – afternoon etc Amelia sat in the younger brother of the Thomas Worsley who was Drawingroom with Mrs and Miss Worsley and heard equerry to George II. In 1747 James, at the age of 25, Mrs Worsley read Virgil and the News” was ordained as Priest of Stonegrave. In 1761 he married Dorothy Pennyman, youngest sister of Sir The journals also give us an insight into the lives and James Pennyman, 6th Baronet of Ormesby Hall, North careers of Mrs Worsley’s sons. James became a Yorkshire. The couple lived at the Rectory in Lieutenant Colonel of the York Fencibles, and went to Stonegrave and had four children James born 1764, fight in the American Revolutionary War and in Ralph born 1765, Richard born 1767 and Dorothy Ireland. Ralph took orders and became Rector of born 1775. Little Ponton in Lincolnshire and sub-dean of Ripon Cathedral and Richard joined the Navy and rose to the rank of Vice Admiral, he married Elizabeth White and later bought property in Tickhill. ‘Little Miss W’, Dorothy, married the Rev. Nicholas Torre the Rector of Rise, Holderness, and they took the name ‘Holme’.

In 1792 Amelia Staniforth died and the journals came to an end. Gone were the days of Dances and Balls at Firbeck, Parkhill and Wallingwells, of Miss W walking out with her brothers, and going a-Fishing, a- Shooting, and a-Coursing, of Mrs W ‘reading a sermon and the news’ and Amelia ‘at accounts’. The Hall falls silent once again and Mrs W and her daughter move out.

Stonegrave Rectory, North Yorkshire Committee Contacts

Sadly the Rev. James Worsley died of ill-health in Simon Drohan Bath when little Dorothy was just two years old. (Chairman & Membership Sec) 01909 732191 Derek & Enid Bailey We first hear of Mrs Worsley visiting the sisters at ( Environment) 01709 815057 Firbeck Hall in the 1782 journal. The first entry Julia Colver concerning her states “Mrs Worsley just come from (Meeting Sec, Newsletter) 01709 812982 London, call’d here, came again to tea and play’d Sid Ellis quadril.” but by the end of 1782 Mrs Worsley and (Press, Publicity & Gen Sec) 01709 813330 Una Ellis daughter, Dorothy, now aged 7, appear to be living (Asst Sec) 01709 813330 with the sisters. Valerie Oxley (Treasurer) 01709 813451 A copy of a journal written by Amelia in 1791 shows that Mrs Worsley and her daughter, aged 16, are still living at Firbeck Hall with Amelia. Amelia would otherwise have been alone as her sister Henrietta died Email: [email protected] Website: www.firbeckhall.net in 1787, aged 69.

The young 16 year old Dorothy Worsley appears to have been an energetic young woman she goes on The observations and opinions expressed in the various articles are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views horseback to visit her brother James, now married to of the Editor or of the FoFH Committee and their accuracy cannot Lydia White of Wallingwells, and living at be verified.