This year, the annual lunch for members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society was held at The Dukeries Lodge Hotel, Edwinstowe. Built in 1897 by the Mansfield Brewery Company to accommodate the thousands of visitors to the ‘Dukeries’ area, the family hotel and refreshment rooms were designed to harmonise with Sherwood Forest’s famous woodland scenery. Outside, the grounds once featured stables, coach houses, and pleasure areas with tennis courts.
However, disaster struck on Friday 22nd February 1929 when a fire broke out in the early hours, destroying a significant portion of the building. The hotel was later rebuilt on a modified plan, without the pavilion that had been intended to accommodate groups of up to 200 people. For more details about the hotel and the village, visit www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk.
The Society’s archivists continue to handle a variety of enquiries, not only from within the UK but also recently from Australia and Brazil.
Relatives of former village residents have been assisted in locating burial plots, while students often seek help with research. Others request detailed information about local buildings and landmarks. The Society appreciates requests for the use of photographs displayed on the website and is delighted when individuals contribute images not already in the collection.
The next talk will be held on Wednesday 19th March and will be presented by David Templeman, focusing on Mary Queen of Scots and her years in captivity.
Meetings are held in the Church Rooms, Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe NG21 9NJ, on the third Wednesday of the month, starting at 2.00pm and lasting for approximately two hours. Tea, coffee, and biscuits are available. Annual membership is £15.00, with a warm welcome extended to visitors at a charge of £3.00.
Enquiries may be made via email at EdwinstoweHistorySoc@gmail.com.