Wingfield Manor, Crich (Derbyshire)

The vast and immensely impressive ruins of a palatial medieval manor house arranged round a pair of courtyards.

Summary 15th century buildings Information provided

Introduction

The vast and immensely impressive ruins of a palatial medieval manor house arranged round a pair of courtyards, with a huge undercrofted Great Hall and a defensible High Tower 22 metres (72 feet) tall. This monument to late medieval 'conspicuous consumption' was built in the 1440s for the wealthy Ralph, Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England. Later the home of Bess of Hardwick's husband, the Earl of Shrewsbury, who imprisoned Mary Queen of Scots here in 1569, 1584 and 1585.

History to the present day

Built for Ralph de Cromwell, 3rd Baron Cromwell, then Chancellor of England, on the site of a 12th century castle, Wingfield manor was started around 1450 and was bought by the second Earl of Shrewsbury. The design was later the inspiration for Hampton Court Palace.

The sixth Earl of Shrewsbury was entrusted with the care of Mary, Queen of Scots during her detention from 1569 onwards. She was held in his various houses around Derbyshire, including Wingfield. It is rumoured that it was here that she met Anthony Babington, whose family lived at Dethick nearby. Together they organised the abortive Babington Plot, a Recusant Catholic plot against Elizabeth I. The legend goes that the walnut tree in the north courtyard grew from a seed left when Anthony Babington smeared walnut juice over his face to disguise himself and enable him to see Mary. Unfortunately the tree is not old enough for this tale of its origins to be true.

The remains include a usable tower and part of a greater tower that included, before the English Civil War, one of the earliest flushing systems in England. In the remains of the great hall, an oriel window can be seen, where coloured glass once shone through and illuminated the high table. The kitchens were connected to the great hall by a passageway where the remnants of two bread ovens can be seen as well as the two large fireplaces.

There is also a great stone barn, notable for the internal timbering; and the gate above the entrance to the north court contains a carved representation of moneybags, the symbol of the exchequer, Lord Cromwell.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Wingfield Manor, Derbyshire, , United Kingdom

Opening times:

Please note Wingfield Manor is part of a working farm and the owner's privacy should be respected at all times.

Entry by pre-booked guided tour on first Saturday of the month April -September only on a Saturday.
Please call Customer Services on 0870 333 1183 to book.

Admission prices:

Adult:£5.00

Children:£2.50

Concession:£4.30

Photographs copyright English Heritage Photographic Library.