Newstead Abbey
 Abbeys |
Newstead Abbey was founded by Henry II, in about 1170, as an Augustinian priory. It represented an atonement by the king for his part in the murder of Thomas a Becket. Much of the medieval remains date from a period of rebuilding undertaken some 100 years later; there is a stone-vaulted crypt, and three magnificent carved and painted 16th century overmantels.
After the Dissolution, Newstead was bought by Sir John Byron in the mid 16th century. The Abbey remained the ancestral home of the Byrons until 1817, by which time it had been allowed to deteriorate quite severely, due mostly to a lack of finances. Newstead was eventually purchased by Colonel Wildmore, who spent a fortune restoring the former abbey to its present appearance. It is now owned by Nottingham Corporation, and both house and grounds are open to the public.
Although Newstead has had its share of colourful occupants, it is best remembered as the home of the poet Lord Byron (1778-1824), and as such is home to the Byron Museum. In addition to family relics, many of the rooms, particularly his library and study, have on display the poet's personal possessions; these include a rare collection of his letters, first editions and manuscripts. The table at which Byron wrote 'Childe Harold' is also on view. Lord Byron's body is interred at nearby Hucknall Church, some three miles distant.
The extensive Abbey grounds are certainly worth a visit. They contain a beautiful hidden garden, a finely carved fountain decorated with fantastic animals, the elaborate memorial to the poet's dog Boatswain, two mock forts, and the enormous lake, whereupon the 5th Lord Byron re-enacted naval battles.
A short journey to the south west of Newstead, brings one to the home of another outstanding literary figure; here the similarity ends however, for the contrast in background and circumstances could not be greater. Eastwood is typical of the industrial towns in this part of Nottinghamshire - it is dominated by the coal mining industry, even though the country round and about is farmland. Primarily known for being the birthplace of D H Lawrence, in 1885, the striking contrast between farmland and colliery set the scene for many of the writer's works. The Lawrence family home in Victoria Street, is now the D H Lawrence Birthplace Museum, furnished in late 19th century style. The family later moved to another part of Eastwood, now known as the 'Sons and Lovers Cottage'. This house is also open to the public, though by appointment only. The quiet rural beauty of nature, so close to, and yet in direct contrast to Eastwood, with its manmade colliers and slag heaps, deeply influenced Lawrence's outlook on life. Despite being much travelled in his later years, Lawrence was to remark '...I am English, and my Englishness is my vision'.