Rufford Abbey was the subject of the illustrated talk presented to the members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society at a recent meeting.  Once the home of a group of Cistercian monks until the dissolution of the monasteries when it came into the possession of the Earls of Shrewsbury and later the Saville family.  During the centuries changes were made to the structure of the Abbey resulting in a country mansion which was favoured by royalty.  Sadly in 1938 the Abbey was sold, changing hands on several occasions, eventually falling into decay resulting in partial demolition.  Today, it is central to a country park,  in the ownership of Nottinghamshire County Council, and managed by Parkwood Outdoors in co-operation with English Heritage.  The afternoon closed with a recording made by the former nurse employed for a time to look after Lord and Lady Savile in the late 1920’s and 1930’s, during which she gave a vivid description of life, upstairs and downstairs, during her stay.

Recently the Society deposited a collection of photos with the Nottinghamshire Archives.  These contained images of Sherwood Forest, views of the old Visitors’ Centre, the Robin Hood Festival, and Rufford Abbey.  All may be accessed through the Inspire Picture Archive.

Enquiries continue to be received, with the latest from Australia relating to a family member buried in St Mary’s church yard.  Another concerned a programme planned for BBC2 television.  Information, also, was provided for local school children to learn more about the village.

No meeting will take place during August.  However, the new programme of talks commences on Wed. 20^th September, when the speaker will be Bob Massey whose talk is “Murder, Mystery and Mayhem”.