Sheffield Manor Lodge - South Yorkshire

http://www.aboutnottinghamshire.co.uk/
Sheffield Manor Loge was built about 1516.  It was within one of the largest deer parks in Britain and was home to George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury.  Sadly it was largely dismantled in 1706 and again in 1839.  In 1953 the Duke of Norfolk Estate leased the site to Sheffield City Council.  Green Estate, which seems the most brilliant organisation, is now developing the site with many exciting future plans.

I visited as part of Sheffield's marvellous 'Off the Shelf' weeks, and went on an organised tour, which is the ideal way to enjoy this most interesting site.

Over the centuries many notable people stayed in what must have been a most impressive establishment, including Cardinal Wolsey in 1529, although we were told he had dysentry during his stay and was poorly for 18 days, and then he rode to Leicester, and not to surprisingly, considering his weakened condition, fell off his horse and died.

The most striking of the the remaining buildings was undoubtedly the Turret House, and being on an organised tour it was an unexpected pleasure to 'meet' Bess of Hardwick, complete with strings of pearls!

After an excellent monolgue about her incredible life, it was then possible to go upstairs and see the fantastic plaster ceilings that have survived for centuries, as well as examples of the fine tapestry work carried out by Mary Queen of Scots who was imprisoned here for some 14 years

The whole of my visit the rain drizzled down and everyone was seriously wet, but I didn't think it mattered one jot, it was all so interesting.

It was also so good to hear about the exciting plans for the future of this site and now I just can't wait to go back and visit other areas, and watch the development of this quite lovely place.