Pictures of Worksop

About Worksop

The dense spread of Worksop in Nottinghamshire meets with some seriously picturesque countryside, it is fortunate to be ringed by two rivers, the Clumber which borders Clumber Country Park, and the River Ryton.

Clumber Country Park is particularly beautiful, it was once the home of the Dukes of Newcastle and is now in the hands of the National Trust. Parts of the park are portions of romantic Sherwood Forest were Maid Marian met with Robin Hood, Friar Tuck and the rest of Robin's band of merry men! This is a gorgeous place for relaxation, not only does it have almost 4,000 acres of old forestry and parkland but it also has a silvery 90 acre lake.

The house which was home to the Dukes has long since gone, but the famous Gothic Revival Chapel built in the 1880's still remains. This church was built by G.F.Bodley and dedicated to St.Mary the Virgin in 1889. The architecture is stunning, so are the treasures within, these include fine stained glass, magnificent wood carvings and statues.

Another of the park's attractive buildings is Clumber Stableyard, this has a pleasing short clock tower and is thought to date from sometime in the 18th-century. It now houses the estate offices, shop, cafe and restaurant.

The park offers excellent opportunities for observing wildlife; the dense woodland is home to many species including vast numbers of birds. For those wishing to explore the park on wheels there is a cycle track and cycles are offered for hire. Clumber park is also a popular fishing venue, usually by prior arrangement. Horse riding is allowed, but again permission should be sought.

There is a Lime Tree Avenue, a Cedar Avenue and a pretty Kitchen Garden to be explored, and naturally within the broad acres there are lovely walks and picnic spots. For those wishing to stay for a while there is even a section for touring caravans. Annual events are held, these include open-air concerts and horse trials.

Worksop's special blessing is its nine hundred year old Priory Church dedicated to Saint Cuthbert and St. Mary. It shows fine Norman architecture in its impressive west front with twin towers, it also has an exceptional late Norman nave. The Priory was founded in 1103 by Augustinian Canons, oddly these holy men eventually became famous not only for their pious ways but for the liquorice made in the priory kitchens.

This church has associations with Robin Hood. A glass covered opening in the north wall of the interior contains an ancient skull pierced with an arrow, local legend has it that this was someone killed by Robin Hood.

The impressive gatehouse to the Priory is perhaps the finest in the county, it has pre-reformation statutory and a shrine to the Virgin Mary. The recent east end of the church is an addition of the late 20th-century, it was carried out through a generous donation and is perfectly in keeping with the rest of the building.

In the town there is a local museum which contains archaeological and natural history exhibits.

Worksop makes a good centre from which to explore what is locally known as "The Dukeries" so called because at one time several dukes and earls owned estates in the area. It is a fascinating region, with many exquisite buildings and delightful countryside.