News - Historic photo website reaches 100,000 milestone

The 100,000th historic photograph capturing yesteryear in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire has been added to the Picture the Past website this week.

The not-for-profit project also marked its tenth anniversary at Nottinghamshire County Council Archives on Wednesday evening. This photograph (Photo 1) of a Whit March in Arnold from 1890 was selected as the milestone image to be added to the website.

‘Picture the Past’ is a not-for-profit project, started in 2002, that aims to make historic images from the library, archives and museum collections across the whole of Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, available via a completely free-to-use website.

Initially funded for three years with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the scheme is now managed and funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council.

There are photographs, postcards, engravings and paintings on the website showing how life has changed in the region over the last few hundred years giving a fascinating insight into the work and lives of the people who lived there.

The event was attended by guests including Coun John Cottee, Culture Committee Chairman for Nottinghamshire County Council, Picture the Past Chairman Robert Gent, representatives from the other local authorities and Professor John Beckett, in the Department of History at the University of Nottingham who is an expert in the history of the East Midlands. Professor Beckett gave a short speech about the importance of preserving historic images digitally.

Picture the Past’s Project Manager, Nick Tomlinson, said: “It is wonderful Picture The Past is now entering its second decade and the public interest continues year after year. Our web pages currently receive around 100,000 views a month.”

Coun John Cottee, Culture Committee Chairman for Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Picture the Past is a popular website and a fantastic resource which helps librarians and archivists to preserve pictures from our past in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

“As well as the photographs which are stocked in our collections, people contribute images which they find in attics and elsewhere to be digitised on our systems.”

Picture the Past’s offices were founded at Heanor Library in 2002, moving to the Record Office at Derbyshire County Council three years ago.

You can see all 100,000 images on the Picture the Past site by visiting: http://www.picturethepast.org.uk. For more details about events at Nottinghamshire Archives telephone: 0115 977 4401.
 

From: http://www.hucknalldispatch.co.uk/news/local-news/historic-photo-website-reaches-100-000-milestone-1-5417210?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed

News - Plans for castle to cash in on Robin's global reputation (Nottingham)

THE pulling power of Robin Hood for tourists has never been in doubt.


But the question of how to capitalise on the legendary outlaw has troubled Nottingham minds for decades.

From a Robin Hood theme park to a giant 100-metre tall statue, there have been plenty of ideas.

In 2009, Nottingham City Council created the Sheriff's Commission to identify how to maximise the tourism potential of Robin Hood. A delegation from the city even spent nine days in America, visiting up to 30 tourist attractions.

The commission concluded that a new Robin Hood attraction was needed at both Nottingham Castle and Sherwood Forest by June 2012 – to make the most of the Olympics.

But after the initial excitement, things went quiet.

However, new ideas have today been put forward to create a "world-class" visitor attraction which will finally cash in on Robin's global reputation.

And the working group behind the suggestions are confident that they are achievable.

They include building a £20 million gallery devoted to Robin Hood and the history of Nottingham at the castle.

It could see the caves underneath the castle brought back into use and a new visitors' centre and café built.

More outdoor festivals and events could also be staged at the site.

The Castle Working Group – which includes people from different backgrounds as well as the city council – has been given the job of delivering the new attraction.

Ted Cantle, chairman of the group, said: "We're trying to bring two things together.

"People have felt we haven't made enough of the legendary status of Robin Hood, and they've also thought we haven't presented sufficiently the castle's national history.

"We're trying to bring those things together so Nottingham Castle is better reflected in a national attraction, and so is Robin Hood.

"We're looking towards a national gallery visitor attraction, something that has strong educational value – but we realise it has to have both excitement and fun as part of that and that will very much be the case.

"It will be an opportunity to develop some of the new technologies available to national galleries. We hope it will be a real visitor experience."

The working group, which includes people from different backgrounds as well as the city council, has suggested three different ideas.

These include exploring the castle as a symbol of Nottingham's important role in social protest and rebellion through the ages; using the story of Robin Hood as a guide through key periods in Nottingham's history; and finally to provide a "significant educational experience" for all visitors.

People can have their say on the ideas, and also suggest their own, from today until September 22.

Mr Cantle said: "We want to make sure we haven't missed anything. That's why the public consultation is so valuable.

"We've had a good look at what people have said in the past, the work of the Sheriff's Commission and the other work carried out.

"We want to make sure we don't miss anything that the public might come up with, like a completely new idea we've not considered."

Mr Cantle said Nottingham Castle, which is currently managed by the city council, is expected to be run by a trust instead, which would give it charitable status and allow it to apply for more grants.

The group hopes to submit a funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund in November. If it is successful, work could begin in the next couple of years, although the attraction is unlikely to be completed until 2019.

In addition to the Heritage Lottery Fund, Mr Cantle said the project would need funding from the public and private sectors. He said they will be approaching various businesses as well as investigating Government funding and speaking to the city council.

Mr Cantle confirmed they are not interested in having a Robin Hood theme park at the castle, an idea which has previously been suggested.

"Any private developer that wants to do that in any other part of Nottingham is perfectly able to if they want," he said.

After years of various organisations talking about what sort of redevelopment could take place at the castle, Mr Cantle said he is sure they will deliver.

He told the Post: "We've grounded this in reality. It's not a series of ideas that have floated around."

Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure at the council, said: "We want to create a world-class heritage facility for Nottingham, create new jobs, support the development of new businesses, encourage investment and provide economic stability for the city's castle quarter.

"We need to do this right, and that's where we need the public to step in and help us make the right decisions."

To have your say in the plans, forms can be found online at www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk, at Nottingham Castle, or by scanning QR codes that can be found at leisure centres and libraries.

A final proposal will be drawn up in the autumn.

From http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Plans-castle-cash-Robin-s-global-reputation/story-16775559-detail/story.html

News - Nottingham's City of Caves attraction reopens

A tourist attraction featuring a series of caves in Nottingham is reopening after being shut for nine months.

The City of Caves, the entrance to which is in the Broadmarsh Shopping Centre, closed in May when Westfield announced plans to revamp the centre.

In December, the site was sold and the renovation of the shopping centre put on hold.

The City of Caves is part of a complex of up to 400 sandstone caves in the city dating back to the Dark Ages.

The attraction has been refurbished and a series of children's activities added, a City of Caves spokesman said.

In March 2011, Westfield submitted plans to Nottingham City Council for a £500m expansion of the shopping centre.

More than 6,000 jobs were expected to be created as part of the redevelopment, but those plans have been shelved.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16984845,

News - Man wants to help house city artefacts (Nottingham)

THE head of a bus firm has revealed his hope to devote part of his site to housing treasures from the county's past.

Simon Barton, managing director of Bartons plc, said the city should be proud of its past – and that if the local authorities could not afford to keep museums open, he would be happy to take the artefacts for display as part of a cultural exhibition.

He points to closures and cuts at museums like Brewhouse Yard, the Industrial Museum at Wollaton Hall and the Lace Centre in the city centre.

Mr Barton said: "I can understand why councils may find it hard to keep certain attractions open in the face of budget cuts, but we find ourselves in a position where we can intervene and help.

"There must be hundreds if not thousands of items that are either stuck in archives or in museums that have been closed down. And what I'm saying is that we have a ten-acre site and great access to the area, and I would be delighted to house them to put them on display until such a time as they have the space and funding to house them again."

The site of Bartons plc, on the High Road, Chilwell, lies on the route of the new tram line which will run between the city centre, Beeston and Chilwell. Currently, it is used as a space for art exhibitions and other events.

Mr Barton added that he thought it was a "real shame" that more wasn't done to promote the county's heritage.

He added: "It's just a case of getting round the table and talking about the ideas we have.

"This isn't just an idea we've had on a whim – it's something we're seriously considering and looking at how it could work."

Councillor Dave Trimble, city council portfolio holder for leisure, tourism and communities, said: "The city council agrees absolutely about the importance of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's local history and heritage and we welcome offers of support by all other enthusiasts and supporters. However, accreditation by the national bodies that govern museum standards is also paramount if we are to continue to attract additional funding and support to improve our collections.

"The help of enthusiast and volunteers has enabled us to increase the opening hours of the Industrial Museum. Our intention is to seek similar community support for the Museum of Nottingham Life [at Brewhouse Yard] – the museum is not closing. Our proposal is for the museum to continue to be available for pre-booked school parties and for other groups of ten or more, when booked in advance, and will still be open to the public for special events."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Man-wants-help-house-city-artefacts/story-15175838-detail/story.html

News - Nottingham Robin Hood medieval village 'still possible'

The Sheriff of Nottingham has said he is confident a £25m medieval village tourist attraction could still be built at the foot of Nottingham Castle.

Plans were put forward as part of the Sheriff's Commission two years ago.

The aim of the commission was to suggest how the city could make more of the legend of Robin Hood.

Several investors registered an initial interest in the plans but everything went on hold when the country entered a recession, Councillor Leon Unczer said.

The idea was to create an "adventurous and fun but historical in context" medieval village which could attract 500,000 visitors a year, Mr Unczer said.

"Commitment-wise it needs the backing of the city and somebody with a lot of money," he said.

"It's megabucks but there is always somebody who you can get that money from."

The sheriff denied his theme park plans were just "pie-in-the-sky".

'Mildly cautious'

"We had some names (of interested parties) before the recession, so when it actually lifts the game could be back on and I sincerely hope it will be," he said.

Mr Unczer admitted that no-one at Nottingham City Council was as confident as he was about the plans.

"They are mildly cautious, most politicians are," he said.

The Sheriff's Commission was set up in 2009 prior to the release of the Hollywood blockbuster Robin Hood.

The sheriff admitted that two years on the city's Robin Hood offer was still not good.

But he said improvements had been made with a new audio trail and exhibitions at the Galleries of Justice museum and castle.

"There's lots to be done. If you are adventurous enough and brave enough let's do it," he said.

The Sheriff's Commission initially said it hoped to build a "new, truly world-class Robin Hood visitor experience" by June 2018.

From http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16795503

Excavation - Hopes to unearth 'magical' lost well (Nottingham)

PLANS to excavate a site of "great historical importance" in St Ann's have been welcomed by residents.

The old St Ann's Well, believed to be beneath the site of the demolished Gardeners Pub in The Wells Road, was a spring once thought to have magical healing powers and which lent its name to the St Ann's area.

There are 17th century records of an annual Easter procession to the well made by the Mayor of Nottingham, aldermen and local officials, accompanied by musicians.

Thurcroft Ltd, a private building company, has been granted planning permission to build nine houses on the site with the condition that, before building work begins, an archeological dig will take place.

Christine Taylor, 70, of nearby Kildare Road, welcomed the idea of unearthing possible remnants of the medieval well.

She said: "It would be nice if they found remains of the well because it is special. But I hope it doesn't mean lots of works traffic and noisy diggers."

An historical study of the site was carried out last year by an archeological team at the University of Leicester.

They found the well gradually took on more of a secular appeal over the years, becoming "a sort of pleasure ground and public house for the amusement of the local population" by the 19th century. The University of Leicester team will be conducting the dig this year.

Resident Richard Pearson, of Belleview Court, recently wrote to Channel 4 asking them to excavate the site.

He said: "I think it would be appropriate for Channel 4 to participate in an archaeological dig of the site, or come along and make a TV programme – it's perfect material for the Time Team.

"There are a number of mysteries to be solved about the well.

"For example it would be good to locate the actual site of St Ann's Well to uncover any artifacts that may have been thrown into the waters as gifts to St Ann."

Wells Road resident Caroline Tracey, 66, also thought it would be "impressive" if remains of the so-called magical well were uncovered.

She said: "It would be nice because it might become an impressive site of national importance.

"But if it is too noisy and disruptive or it goes on for too long I think people living nearby would get annoyed."

A Nottingham City Council spokesman said: "As part of planning permission for the site the developers are to organise an archaeological field evaluation to establish the presence or not of remains of St Ann's Well and associated buildings.

"And the developers will also be talking with the city council about a suitable memorial to highlight the significance of the site."

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Hopes-unearth-magical-lost/story-15062126-detail/story.html

News - Museum of Nottingham Life closure 'a mistake'

Closing the Museum of Nottingham Life to general visitors would be a mistake, Nottingham's Civic Society has said.

Visits to the attraction would be reduced to just groups and schools under the city council's budget proposals, saving £40,000 a year.

The authority said that tough decisions had to be made as it bids to save £20m from its budget for 2012/13.

Ian Wells, from the civic society, said authorities needed to be responsible for the heritage on their doorstep.

"It is very sad and very short-sighted," he said.

'Great interest'

The Museum of Nottingham Life, housed within five 17th Century cottages at Brewhouse Yard, depicts the social history of the city over the last 300 years.

It contains reconstructed 1920s shops and a Victorian school room.

"They have really made the past attractive there at a time when we have a great interest," Mr Wells said.

"We accept that cuts have got to be made but it always seems one particular area that seems to be hit."

Presenting its budget proposals for 2012/13 to its executive board on Tuesday, Nottingham City Council said its priority was to support jobs and the local economy and protect services for vulnerable people.

As well as changes to the city museum's opening times, the authority announced plans to cut 195 council jobs and the closure of the Marlestones elderly persons care home in Bulwell.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16614775

News - Batman pays for £100,000 Wollaton Hall improvements

Improvements worth £100,000 were made to a stately home in Nottingham for the filming of the new Batman movie.

Scenes from The Dark Knight Rises were shot at Wollaton Hall in June and July last year.

Warner Brothers paid for redecorations to The Great Hall and entrance hall and re-gilded some windows at the back of the property.

The studios also paid a fee to use the Elizabethan house as Wayne Manor - Batman's home - in the movie.

Ron Inglis, from Nottingham City Council, could not disclose the hire fee but admitted the "sum was appropriate to the amount of disruption".

Wollaton Hall and Park was closed while filming took place during June and July, in 2011.

Mr Inglis, the council's service manager for museums and galleries, said: "They wanted quite significant changes.

"Everything was done to an appropriate conservation standard. Nothing was done that was out of keeping with the hall."

David Trimble, council cabinet member for culture, said it was an "incredible opportunity" when Warner Brothers approached the authority.

He said the film, which comes out in the summer, would increase visitors and bring benefits to the local economy.

The Dark Knight Rises, which stars Christian Bale, Gary Oldman and Anne Hathaway, will be in cinemas this summer.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16484328

Event - Help needed with war centenary exhibition (Newark)

Volunteers are being sought from the Newark area to help with an ambitious project to mark the centenary of the first world war in 2014.

 

An exhibition will begin on August 4, 2014 — a century to the day Britain declared war on Germany — at Nottingham Castle and will continue until Remembrance Sunday that year.

A large amount of work is needed before the exhibition starts and people with an interest in the war are being asked to help.

The project is being led on a voluntary basis by Major John Cotterill, of the 2nd Battalion, The Mercian Regiment (Worcesters and Foresters).

 

He is a trustee of the Sherwood Foresters Museum.

He said the Trent To The Trenches exhibition would explain the impact the war had on Nottinghamshire.

The conflict claimed the lives of about 11,000 people from the county.

A launch day for volunteers takes place at Nottingham Castle at 10.30am on January 22, for which people need to register.

Major Cotterill said there were several components to the project, being jointly funded by Nottinghamshire county and Nottingham city councils.

A database will be compiled with the details of every person from Nottinghamshire who died in the war.

 

Large data screens will be displayed at the exhibition mapping casualties by parish so visitors can view those who died in their area. The database will be available online.

Major Cotterill said volunteers were needed to research names from war memorials and hoped someone could co-ordinate the work in Newark and Sherwood.

About 1,500 people from the district died in the war.

Another part of the project is to bring war memorials to life through volunteers giving talks at memorials about those commemorated and their links to the area.

These talks will be throughout 2014.

Tours will be organised of war memorials of particular significance, such as those that include noteworthy names.

Enthusiasts are needed to identify which memorials in Newark and Sherwood should be included, and help research and deliver their part of the tour.

The impact the war had on organisations such as sports teams, factories and businesses also needs to be researched.

Those with links to schools are asked to come forward to help organise the involvement of children, which is expected both in the school holidays and in term time.

During the exhibition experts will be on hand to help visitors research their family links to the war.

Antiques Roadshow-style events will enable people to bring along first world war-related items so they discover more about them.

The exhibition will take up the ground floor of Nottingham Castle. People with an interest in design are being invited to help with the layout.

Young people in particular are being encouraged to get involved and may be able to earn a qualification through their contribution.

Anyone interested should contact Major Cotterill on 0115 957 2010 or 07733458971, or email john.cotterill613@mod.uk or john.cotterill@btinternet.com

 

From: http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/articles/news/Help-needed-with-war-centenary-exhibition

Event - Newstead Abbey hopes for Antiques Roadshow tourist boost

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE’S Newstead Abbey is set to host an episode of popular BBC1 programme the Antiques Roadshow later this year.

The Sunday teatime staple will be filmed at the former home of Romantic poet Lord Byron on Thursday 14th June, for broadcast at a later date.

And the Abbey’s staff hope that its television appearance will give the Nottingham City Council-owned tourist attraction a publicity boost that will encourage more people to visit.

Penny Beniston, house and event manager, said: “The Antiques Roadshow coming to Newstead Abbey means such a lot to the whole team at Nottingham City Council.

“The gardeners are so looking forward to showcasing their work, the café is planning a very special menu, and as for the Abbey itself, we are hoping to invite visitors in to wander around at their leisure to enjoy everything that the house can offer - whether that is the Byron connection, the Civil War interest or the Victorian side to Newstead.

“There is something for everyone.”

Presented by newsreader Fiona Bruce, the Antiques Roadshow sees thousands of people queue up to get their family heirlooms, jumble sale bargains and quirky keepsakes valued by the programme’s team of antiques experts.

And some of the historically-important artefacts at Newstead are bound to be discussed during filming.

Penny added: “We are hoping it will bring visitors to the Abbey in their thousands for a wonderful fun day - we just need the sun to shine to make it perfect.”

Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, Coun David Trimble, is also optimistic that having Antiques Roadshow filmed at Newstead will be beneficial.

He said: “We are thrilled that the Antiques Roadshow is coming to film at Newstead Abbey in June later this year.

“This promotion of Newstead Abbey House and Gardens on this prestigious television programme will help bring visitors to the site, and encourage more people to enjoy the stunning grounds and historic house tours.”

Details of the times of the filming will be announced soon.

Newstead Abbey will be asking for volunteers to help marshal the event, helping visitors find their way to the different areas.

Anyone interested in this can contact Penny on 01623 455913 or email penny.beniston@nottinghamcity.gov.uk

From: http://www.chad.co.uk/news/local/alfreton/newstead_abbey_hopes_for_antiques_roadshow_tourist_boost_1_4111005

News - Nottingham Industrial Museum set to reopen

The Nottingham Industrial Museum is to reopen as a volunteer-run attraction after the city council received £91,000 in funding.

The museum closed in 2009 as the council restructured its services.

But now more than 90 volunteers are helping refurbish the Wollaton Park site before it reopens in March.

The centre will be self-sufficient through a small admission fee on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, Nottingham City Council said.

'Fully accessible'

Nottingham Industrial Museum, housed in the park's stable block, will offer an insight into Nottingham's industrial heritage.

Exhibits will include steam engines and agricultural machinery as well as lace making machinery which helped to put Nottingham on the textile map, the council said.

An initial grant of £66,000 from the Adult and Community Learning Fund will be used to train volunteers on how to run the centre, from taking care of the collections to marketing the attraction.

Rebecca Wilson, one of the volunteers, said: "This project is a great example of a community working together to show off its local heritage and we have great fun at the same time too."

Councillor Dave Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and tourism, said: "The reopening will be a great achievement for the dedicated group of volunteers. 

"It's fantastic that we can revitalise the museum's collections and make them fully accessible again."

Volunteers are still being sought to help with the project. Anyone interested should contact Nottingham City Council's programmes coordinator on 0115 876 2187.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16354436

News - Fire prevention work at Abbey (Newstead)

FIRE prevention work will be carried out at Newstead Abbey from January.

Nottingham City Council plans to complete the second phase of the project, which aims to separate parts of the building to prevent fire spreading and minimise any loss, before the summer.

It will see the main part of the Abbey split into three main zones.

The council has been quoted £47,400 by contractors to carry out the work, expected to start on January 9.

However it only has £39,000 set aside for the rest of the project and has said it will pay the shortfall by finding savings in its museum service budget.

A report by Councillor David Trimble, portfolio holder for leisure, says that the work is a vital requirement of their insurer to prevent the risk of "total destruction" by preventing fire spreading through the historic building.

The report says it is essential work begins on time to protect the bats in the roof space and so it does not impact on the tourism season over the summer.

The first phase was completed two years ago and separated the south wing which was deemed to be at greatest risk.

Some roof and loft separation work was also carried out then.

From:Thisisnottingham.co.uk

 

Newstead Abbey, Nottingham City Council,

News - Nottingham Industrial Museum set to re-open next spring

Nottingham's Industrial Museum will re-open on 17 March 2012 run by a group of local volunteers.

Nottingham City Council's ambition to re-open the Industrial Museum as a volunteer-run site has been realised thanks to funding received from the Adult and Community Learning Fund from the Skills Funding Agency and Arts Council England.

Over 90 volunteers are currently involved with the Industrial Museum project and they're working hard to redesign and refurbish the museum so it's ready for the re-opening in mid-March next year.

The Industrial Museum, which can be found in the stable block at Wollaton Park, offers an insight into Nottingham's rich industrial heritage and is a proud celebration of how and where we worked in the city. The museum's collections include transport, steam engines, agricultural machinery and technology from the city's past, plus some of the most important lace making machinery which put Nottingham on the textile map.

The group of volunteers are involved with all aspects of the museum including collections care, marketing, research, site design and they're also undertaking a range of training to ensure they're fully skilled to run the museum. The volunteers have also been in touch with The Village, Church Farm in Lincolnshire to gain some expertise from another volunteer run museum.

Rebecca Wilson, one of the volunteers said: "I became involved with the Industrial Museum because I have a long held passion for Nottingham's history, and this project is a great example of a community working together to show off its local heritage. We have great fun at the same time too!"

 

Nottingham City Council has been working closely with Nottingham's Arkwright Society (the group which currently run the steaming events at the Industrial Museum on the last Sunday of each month), to develop the project and recruit further volunteers.

Volunteers come from a range of backgrounds with a variety of skills, although no specific expertise is required as the programme is designed to enable willing volunteers to get involved in the aspects they're most interested in with full training provided.

Nottingham City Council is still looking for volunteers to help run the Industrial Museum, and anyone who's interested in getting involved should contact the Volunteer Programmes Coordinator on 0115 876 2187.

Councillor Dave Trimble, Portfolio Holder for Leisure, Culture and Tourism said: "The re-opening of the Industrial Museum will be a great achievement for the dedicated group of volunteers who are all working hard to reinstate the museum. Nottingham City Council recognises the importance of the city's industrial heritage and it's fantastic that we can revitalise the museum's collections and make them fully accessible again."

Nottingham City Council will continue to support the Industrial Museum and volunteers once the site re-opens and will have an advisory role on the Industrial Museum Board. 

From: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16969

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News - Lead pipes and ornate brackets stolen from abbey are 'work of art' (Newstead)

THE theft of lead drainpipes from Newstead Abbey has been described as a "tragedy" by the chairman of its Byron society.

Twelve lead drainpipes and a number of ornate brackets were stolen from the abbey in two separate incidents on November 28 and December 6.

The brackets – which had unique markings featuring hexagons, lions and the Star of David – were installed by Colonel Wildman, who owned the house in the 19th century.

Ken Purslow, chairman of Newstead Abbey Byron Society said: "The drainpipes themselves are very substantial pieces of pipe, they're not just a thin lead pipe, they're a substantial work of art.

"The tiebacks are of historical importance.

"Colonel Wildman, himself also a mason, was the provincial grand master of Nottinghamshire. There's a very important historical link."

Mr Purslow has criticised the city council, which owns the building, claiming it needs to take extra care to protect the abbey.

He said: "I think it's a tragedy, the city council have got to do something about this.

"Look what has happened to Annesley Hall in recent years. If they want an example this is it. Once a splendid 13th century country mansion, far superior in its day to Newstead, it is derelict, stripped of everything valuable and completely vandalised.

"Is this something the city council wants to see? Or will this latest episode shake them out of their complete indifference?"

The abbey, once home to Lord byron, was named in October as one of the world's most threatened cultural heritage sites by the New York-based World Monuments Watch, stating it is in desperate need of long-term maintenance.

Its opening hours were also cut by the council this year.

Ron Inglis, city council service manager for museums, said: "We are very saddened by this loss and the damage to a historic property.

"Unfortunately this is a problem that many stately homes and churches are facing around the country.

"The city council takes the security of its historic buildings very seriously and a variety of security measures are in place at Newstead Abbey including a caretaker on site at all times.

"All accessible lead has been removed from the abbey since these thefts and temporary down pipes put in place to protect the building. We will consult with English Heritage about the most appropriate way to deal with this in the long term."

He added that the council is anxious to have the lead returned. The pipes are about eight feet in length and five inches in diameter. Any metal dealer offered them should call Notts Police on 101 and ask for Ravenshead Police.

 

From: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Lead-pipes-ornate-brackets-stolen-abbey-work-art/story-14123578-detail/story.html

 

News - Newstead Abbey Byron Society calls for higher security

A Nottinghamshire literary society is calling for security to be increased at Newstead Abbey after it was targeted by thieves twice in a week.

Several lengths of lead piping were removed from the building last week and days later more pipes had disappeared. 

Newstead Abbey Byron Society said the metal thefts should not have happened.

Nottingham City Council said it has been liaising with English Heritage and Nottinghamshire Police and had stepped up security with a range of measures.

Newstead Abbey, the ancestral home of poet Lord Byron was founded by Henry II as an Augustinian priory in the 12th Century and is one of eight city council-owned museums.

'Secluded and isolated'

Ken Purslow, chair of the society, said the large historic house needed to be better protected by the Nottingham authority.

"Newstead is obviously dark at night, secluded and isolated," he said. "The city council know perfectly well that this isn't the first time they've been subjected to criminal activity.

"In the past, tractors and gang mowers have been stolen, workman's huts and storage blocks have been broken into and things have been taken.

"So the council was aware that there's a problem long before this came to light."

Mr Purslow said the drain piping was "beautifully crafted architectural work of art", which had distinctive emblems in the lead and scrap metal dealers would recognise its historic value. 

He added that the cost of replacing the pipes would be "enormous".

Ron Inglis, service manager for Nottingham City museums and galleries, said people stealing lead from its historic buildings was a widespread problem.

"It's happened to our other museums," he said. "We do have security measures in place and we do our best to stop this sort of thing... we take it very, very seriously."

Mr Inglis said he believed the metal thefts at Newstead Abbey were "well organised" and while a police investigation was being carried out the remaining "accessible lead" had been removed.

He added that they had contacted scrap dealers in the hope of recovering the lead pipes.

From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-16136533