Tuesday 16 July 2013

Tutbury Castle

Tutbury Castle


A Brief History

Situated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle.


Situated in the heart of England, Tutbury Castle sits on wooded slopes overlooking the winding River Dove, with spectacular views across the plain of the Dove to the beautiful Derbyshire hills. Its commanding view and natural defensive position makes this an obvious site for a castle.

Occupied since the Stone Age, the castle is first recorded in 1071, as one of the new castles built to stamp the authority of the Norman conquerors across the Midlands. Since then, the castle has played an important part in English history on many occasions, in warfare and in peace.

The castle is best known as one of the prisons of Mary Queen of Scots, who was held here on four occasions. It was here that she became involved in the plot that ultimately led to her bloody execution at Fotheringhay.

Seat of the de Ferrers family, and later of the earls and dukes of Lancaster, Tutbury was also one of the great centers of power in medieval England. It was visited by many English kings, and home to the great John of Gaunt, 2nd Duke of Lancaster, who established a great annual feast. This tradition lasted for hundreds of years.

It also had its bloodier side, as it was besieged, destroyed and rebuilt several times. It was destroyed for the last time by Act of Parliament in 1647-48, after holding out for Charles I in the Civil War. The destruction was incomplete, leaving the dramatic ruins that we see today, and the castle has never been completely abandoned.

Since 2000, the castle has taken on a new life, welcoming thousands of visitors every year. With historical re-enactment, archaeological excavation, an authentic Tudor garden and mediaeval herbery, the ‘haunted’ Great Hall and King’s Bedroom, and of course the tearoom, there’s something for everyone.

The modern interest in the castle is as a venue for the many re-enactments it hosts, and the opportunity's for the many photographers it attracts


A selection of some of my photographs taken there during one of their

1940s Days



For photographs please
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The Castle today








The 1940s a popular event









The hat a must have accessory 






First aid taken care of
You don't get coal seams that straight








A fur completes the outfit

The local newsagent
































A group of German solders occupied a section of the grounds









Firing of mortar rounds
            




     


 And keeping guard


Or Not



But always time for a cup of coffee


                                                                                                                                                    

   A suspected Spy being taken away to headquarters

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