Wellhead Lane - development

16/0101/FUL  |  Erection of 4 detached houses with detached double garages

You may be interested in how this site is progressing. The water course re-alignment has now been completed to avoid erosion of the banking on the north side. The maintenance of the beck will be covered by the use of a covenant.

Re-alignment of the water course

The area of breezeblock on the front elevation of Plot 1 will be hidden by a slate roof extending the width of the building over the two bay windows.

Plot 1 now with roof timbers erected; Plot 2 almost at first floor level 

The planning permission has certain conditions, one of which is that prior to the commencement of construction of any building(s) or commencement of the use, the vehicular access to the development must be in accordance with the Proposed Site Plan. This has required a new concrete culvert that will allow access over the beck to what will be a gated private road to the development. This is located at the south west corner of the site.

Culvert - and main access to the development

A new footpath has still to be incorporated along the road frontage to link up with the existing footpath near the bungalows. New tree planting will enhance the area too.

No dwellings can be occupied until the private driveway and new footpath have been completed.

Hodgson Close

As can be seen from the Public Notice, the proposed name for the private drive is 'Hodgson Close'.

Naming of street

You might be interested in some of the history behind this name.

George Hodgson was a wealthy industrialist from Bradford in Yorkshire, who took up residence of Nocton Hall in late 1889. He was a very good friend of Lord Ripon, the well-respected owner of what was then deemed the finest agricultural estate in England.

Lord Ripon gave no explanation as to why he had decided to part with his family home, other than he felt the financial strain of maintaining the estate was now beyond his resources. However, he was clearly determined that the state of perfection which prevailed in the park and family areas should continue... and was confident his legacy for the Estate would continue through the Hodgson family.

History well documents how the Ripon family had contributed much to shape Nocton, so much so that a feeling of real security existed in their relationship with the villagers. To lose an individual who had served them all with so much consideration, was an unexpected blow to the community. Coming as he did a complete stranger to Nocton, the villagers and tenants were shattered by the news of George Hodgson having purchased the Estate. That said, his tenure was not to last long at all.

George Hodgson died in 1895 and his eldest son John moved to Nocton. John and his daughter-in-law Ann [the tall and beautiful daughter of Joseph Craven, the first Member of Parliament for Shipley], brought a family of six to the Hall, five sons and one daughter. The seventh child, another daughter, arrived at Nocton Hall. Unfortunately, John Hodgson's health was also to decline, and in 1902 he died at the Hall leaving the running of the estate in the hands of his son Norman, then aged only 25.



The grave of John Hodgson at All Saints Church, Nocton

Norman set to work, to give the estate a high polish. The Hall was redecorated and wherever possible, labour saving devices installed to give the staff greater help and efficiency. The grounds near the Hall were the first to have the flower borders stocked with a full variety of shrubs and herbaceous plants. The rose borders were enlarged and filled with the varieties most suited for a colourful summer display. Species of rhododendron, first planted by Lord Ripon, were ordered, to add a mass of colour to the side walks through the nearby woods and the 400 acre forest known as 'The Big Wood' received an additional number to enhance its beauty, already famous in Lincolnshire for its rhododendrons and the fantastic displayof lilies of the valley and bluebells. Those who are old enough will recall the sheer magnificence of the Hall grounds and park.

The Hodgson family went on to have a worthy and valued connection with the Nocton Estate, until it was sold to Messrs W H Dennis towards the end of 1919.

[Extracts taken from 'The Revelations of an Imp' by Douglas Craven-Hodgson]

Past Times - Wellhead Lane

From The Green turn right onto Main Street, walk down past the Village Hall and you will see The Old Post Office on the corner of the 90 degree bend, the junction of Wellhead Lane..

The Old Post Office

Turn left onto Wellhead Lane and immediately on the left hand side is The Ten Row.

Ten Row

Retrace your steps to Main Street and then turn left into Potterhanworth Rd.

You will see in the on the left hand side, just after The Old Post Office, a delightful row of cottages known as The Ripon Row or Old Four Row.

Ripon Row

Ripon Row

The next Past Times will progress along Potterhanworth Rd, before returning ready to visit Nocton Hall and its pleasure grounds.

A Prime Minister's Home

After attending All Saints Church this morning on Easter Sunday, I later came across an article when cataloguing Sheila Redshaw's collection of memorabilia.  I thought it would be nice to share this with you:

"Nocton.  A green and pleasant place a few miles south-east of Lincoln, it has a Hall which was the home of a Prime Minister, and a church which is his memorial and his last resting place.  About a mile away, on the edge of Nocton Fen and close to Nocton Wood, where lilies of the valley grow in great profusion, is the site of a priory founded in the time of King Stephen.

This priory, for Austin canons, was founded by Robert D'Arcy, whose father, Norman D'Arcy, a companion of the Conqueror, was first of a family which held this manor for 600 years.  In Charles the Second's time the estate was sold to Lord Stanhope, and then passed to Sir William Ellys, whose monument is in the church.  Later it passed to George Hobart, afterwards third Earl of Buckinghamshire, and the marriage of the fourth Earl's daughter brought it to the rising young politician who as Chancellor of the Exchequer was nicknamed Prosperity Robinson, and as Viscount Goderich succeeded George Canning as Premier.  He died as the Earl of Ripon in 1859, and three years later his widow built Nocton church in his memory.  It took the place of a poor church built by George Hobart, who had pulled down the old one because it was too near the Hall for his liking.

Designed by Sir Gilbert Scott in 14th-century style, and built of Ancaster stone, it is one of the most sumptious modern churches in all Lincolnshire, with a tower and spire 130 feet high, and a porch with niched figures of the Madonna and Child, St Peter, and St Paul, John the Baptist, and John the Evangelist.  The interior is dignified by an arcade on rich clustered columns, but is chiefly notable for the richness of decoration in carving, painting, and windows.  The heads of Peter, Paul, and of Our Lord are in niches on the lovely pulpit of stone and marble, and the alabaster reredos (by Italian craftsmen) shows under three gilded arches Christ carrying the Cross, with an angry man about to strike Him and a Roman sildier on a rearing horse behind; the Crucifixion, with the three women and the disciples; and the Entombment, with Mary Magdelene kneeling.  On each side of the reredos the wall is arcaded, the arches being filled with engraved figures of Apostles, Evangelists, Martyrs and Saints.

Elsewhere the walls are adorned with sacred subjects.  In the chancel are canopied paintings of Apostles and Evangelists, each with his symbol, and over the chancel arch Christ appears in Glory, with a great company of kneeling angels and saints.  More unusual are the paintings on the west wall of the nave - graphic illustrations of the Israelites entering the Promised Land, the Egyptians drowning in the Red Sea, and Noah with his family and the animals going into the Ark two by two, goats, asses, rabbits and snakes among them.

The windows form another fine gallery of pictures.  The east window has a central figure of St Michael with angels and a great multitude of men, women, and children round him; and 24 Elders below, casting their crowns before the Throne.  One of the side windows of the nave has figures of St Hugh of Lincoln and St Theodore, and a second has Oswald and Etheldreda.  A third window, showing St Aidan with the stag and the Venerable Bede writing, is a memorial to a descendent of William Brewster, one of the Pilgrim Fathers, and has smaller scenes depicting sunrise and sunset at sea and the Mayflower sailing the ocean.

The fine west window of the nave, with four scenes showing the gift of Isaac to Sarah, and four more of the gift of Samuel to Hannah, was the work of Clayton and Bell and is a memorial to the Countess of Ripon the builder of this church who died in 1867.

Among the monuments set up in memory of members of her family three are specially notable.  The first is of white marble with an urn to her father, Robert Hobart, the fourth Earl of Buckingham, Secretary of State for the Colonies in the first years of the 19th century and the man after whom the capital of Tasmania is named.  The second is to her uncle, Henry Lewis Hobart, vicar of this church for 33 years and Dean of Windsor as well - a white marble memorial with two kneeling women and cherubs above.  The third is the monument she raised to her husband, the first Earl of Ripon; it is under an arch between chancel and chapel, a stately altar tomb of Carrara marble bearing a figure of the Prime Minister in a long robe, his hands folded, his fine features in repose - a beautiful sculpture by Matthew Noble, the Yorkshireman who gave Liverpool, Manchester and London many fine statues.

The oldest memorial, and the only relic of the old church, is a pompous 17th-century array of marble columns, sculptured urn, helmet, shield, and Latin inscription; it is to Sir William Ellys, who built anew the Hall that Thomas Wymbish had erected in 1530, and which was visited by Hentry VIII and his fifth Queen, Katherine Howard.  Here she came with the ruthless king on a journey which was to end in charges which sent her, still a girl, to join her cousin Anne Boleyn in the chapel of death at the Tower.

Fire destroyed the old Hall in 1834, and the foundation stone of the new (handsome with mullioned windows, tall gables and chimneys, and terrace leading down to a lawn) was laid by Viscount Goderich's 14-year-old son, who was born in the most famous house in England (10 Downing Street) during his father's premiership.  He was to be for forty years associated with Gladstone.  Later in life, when he had become first Marquis of Ripon, and a Roman Catholic, he sold the Nocton estate.  He died in 1909 at his Yorkshire home, Studley Royal, and was buried there in a modern church even more sumptious than the one raised in his father's memory here.

Many fine trees surround the Hall, a veteran among them being a chestnut with a girth of about 35 feet and its great branches borne by a company of props."

Source: The Kings of England - Lincolnshire (1949) - P278/280
____________________________________

Nocton Hall - Revelations of an Imp - Chapter 12

George Frederick Samuel Robinson - The First Marquis of Ripon 1877 - 1909

The Fact that George was born at No. 10 Downing Street and conceived at No. 11, made his entry into history unique. From his birth, Lord Ripon lived during the time of his country's greatest influence on the outside world. The massive wealth of the nation coupled to the Empire, supported her leading position in the world and made Victorian Britain the most powerful nation on earth. Our Prime Ministers of this period are now a legend. Robert Peel, Lord John Russell, Lord Derby, Lord Aberdeen, Palmerston, Disraeli, Gladstone, and Salisbury. The nation rested on the ability of these leaders who, in turn, were supported by quiet men of equal stature. Amongst these gentlemen, Lord Ripon stood out head and shoulders above the rest. In contrast to his father, he supported the Liberal cause and towards the close of his political career, was party leader in the House of Lords.

His parents favoured a private education rather than the customary method of public school, followed by university. When 22, he made his first adventure in public life on an abortive mission with Sir Henry Ellis to Brussels to "secure peace between Austria and Piedmont. Deep in his heart, like so many young people, he felt the injustice and inequality of society. His father realised his son's liberal thinking, but rather than force any opinion too strongly, he allowed George to develop his deeper thoughts on his own and make up his own mind which direction he would take in the political world.

When his father became Earl of Ripon, he acquired the courtesy title of Viscount Goderich, and at the age of 24, married Henrietta Vyner, daughter of Sir Henry Vyner of Gautby Hall. His father-in-law's estates almost came to the banks of the River Witham, opposite the Nocton Fen and was, in size, considerably larger than the Nocton estate but the Earl and Countess also owned land at Welbourn including the Manor, which when added to Nocton made the property score equal! In love, the rivalry of the east and west banks of the Witham could not be forgotten, and by slipping the golden ring on a maiden's finger to add a few thousand acres on the east bank to your estate, showed the highest diplomacy and wisdom, possessing all the ingredients for political success.

George Goderich, with a family foundation firmly laid in the political world, could look at the records of his father and grandfather. The latter had been Foreign Secretary in 1782 and had negotiated peace to terminate the American War of Independence. Lord Goderich fought his first Parliamentary seat in July 1852, standing as a Liberal Member for Hull, but he was subsequently unseated on petition of grounds of treaty. The Liberal Committee, supporting his fight had indulged in unorthodox and unacceptable encouragement to voters. A bad start in his political life having to cross the threshold of the House. Undaunted, Goderich fought and won a by-election for the Liberals at Huddersfield the following April. At the early age of 26, his political career was underway. In 1857, he was returned without opposition for the West Riding. On his father's death in January 1859, he became the second Earl of Ripon and moved to the House of Lords, concluding six years in the commons. In November of the same year, on his uncle's death, he became the Earl De Grey of Wrest and inherited further estates left to him by the De Grey inheritance. These included Studley Royal and Fountains Abbey in Yorkshire and further estates in Bedfordshire.

Earl Granville, in a letter to Gladstone, described Lord Ripon as 'a very persistent man with wealth' - what wealth!

In the second Palmerston administration, the Liberals recognised his ability and in June 1859, Goderich became Under Secretary for War. In 1861 he held a similar post in the Indian Office and in April 1863 he became Secretary of State in the War Office and was admitted to the Privy Council. In 1866, after Palmerston's death, he succeeded Sir Charles Wood, later Lord Halifax, at the India Office. Ripon's career was now gathering speed. He was recognised by the leaders of his party in 1868 when he became Lord President of the Council and in the following year, Knight of the Garter - the supreme accolade for chivalry. His companions in the Upper House regarded him as a 'trouble shooter' par extraordinaire. Both charm and personality endeared him to both Whig and Tory and his honesty of purpose always won friendship.

In 1871 a great test was made on his ability to solve a delicate and controversial situation in America. In the United States Civil War, a vessel named the Alabama and other ships had sailed from British ports, not necessarily in the United Kingdom, but also from our Colonial possessions, to aid the eleven states forming the Southern Confederacy against the Federal North. Repairs had also been undertaken in British controlled harbours to vessels flying the Confederate Flag. The United States Government claimed compensation. The two countries agreed to a joint high commission for the settlement of American claims against our country. Lord Ripon was appointed Chairman, supported by Sir Stafford Northcote, Sir Edward Thornton, the British Minister at Washington, Sir John Alexander Macdonald representing Canada, and Professor Montague Bernard (the referee to blow the whistle if things got out of hand).

The negotiations concluded in a satisfactory treaty which referred the American claim to an International Tribunal. Lord Ripon declined to settle indirect losses and after a subsequent controversy, an agreed payment of £3,000,000 was made by our government. This not only restored good relations but gave the United States confidence in British ethics.

In the years to come, Nocton was to maintain the special relationship with America founded by the Earl of Grantham and so well endorsed by Lord Ripon who received the highest praise for his friendly manner 'excellent sense, tact and temper' (Northcote's word). Gladstone in recognition and gratitude for Lord Ripon's services bestowed on him a Marquisate for his accomplishments. This honour was officially awarded on 23rd June 1871. On 19th March 1873, he became Lord Lieutenant of the North Riding but in August the same year, the Marquis surprised the world by resigning his Cabinet office on the ground of 'urgent private affairs'. Up to this time he had been a staunch Free Mason and on 23rd April, 1870 had become Grand Master of England. This position he resigned without explanation in August 1874, and on the 7th September he was received into the Roman Catholic Church at the Brompton Oratory.

From 1874 Ripon lived much in retirement and it was during this time that he established a close friendship with George Hodgson, an industrialist and banker from the West Riding, and like himself, a determined Liberal and believer in free trade. Hodgson had in his life, built up a considerable fortune. When the Yorkshire Banking Company ran into difficulty, it was rumoured that he injected sufficient funds to save the bank, and the money of the small investors, who had placed their savings into what so many Yorkshire people felt was a safe stronghold.

These two people had much in common, but Hodgson's estate in the South of France gave an opportunity for escape and relaxation from the heavy responsibilities and stresses of both political and commercial life. The Marquis and his son Oliver, enjoyed the warm climate, especially in winter when Oliver was far from well. Their stays on the estate near Cannes restored their physical well being in the luxury of this comfortable chateau. Lord Ripon had an understanding ear in his friend to whom he could confide his worries and secret thought and feelings.

On Gladstone's return to power in 1880, the Marquis returned to his public career . In April, he was appointed Viceroy of India on the resignation of Lord Lytton and took office at the summer residence in Simla on 8th June 1880. A critical situation in Afghanistan awaited him. The Government's policy under Lytton, was withdrawal from this turbulent country between India and Russia. General Roberts had the responsibility of making smooth evacuation of the British Forces, but Abdur Rahman had other ideas. Sir Donald Stewart had recognised Wale Sheer Ali as Governor of Kandahar, an unwise decision, and now with his forces expected to join up with Roberts to effect the total withdrawal of the British presence. Horse trading was in full swing but undeterred, Lord Ripon negotiated with Abdur Rahman, who had been keeping 'the pot on the boil' to gain all the advantages of power for himself. With the Viceroy's agreement, he was proclaimed Amir of Kabul on 27th July 1880 but in return for our support, Lord Ripon informed him bluntly that he could have no political relations with any foreign power except the British, but any aggression facing his state would be met the full military support of the British Government. When these plans had been finalised, Ayub Khan, Sher Ali's younger son, in command of Herat, attacked and routed General Burrows in Sir Donald Stewart's absence at Maiwand on 27th July 1880.

Lord Ripon was not amused and ordered Roberts from Kabul to Kandahar. Sher Ali, with Afghan followers, was defeated and after our subsequent withdrawal from Kandahar, this area was united with Kabul under the Amir, giving a stable situation in Afghanistan for the next forty years.

In the light of modern developments in Afghanistan, historians may feel disposed to give Lord Ripon's involvement in this country, higher praise. He succeeded in a few weeks to establish peace to a nation that had been in internal and external turmoil. Several expeditions of British Army Units had failed to quieten the independent tribes and secure durable and lasting settlement with these aggressive and tough warriors on the northern frontier. After a short time in office, the Viceroy had, in effect, won a diplomatic battle equal to the greatest military or political achievement of this country's history.

In assessing Lord Ripon's skill, it is necessary to remember the size of the country. 400 miles wide and 800 miles long. Its mountainous areas are enormous and in 1880, there were no aeroplanes or mechanized transport. Let us not forget the courage of General Roberts who, at a critical time, helped to achieve Lord Ripon's subtle diplomacy.

Lord Curzon signed a form of treaty on 21st March 1905 with Abdur Rahman's son and successors in continuation of the agreement with Lord Ripon, maintaining peace in the country north of the Indian border.

Throughout Ripon's administration in India, he did his best to encourage and develop self government. The educated classes welcomed a reform, but the rural areas were impossible to organise with flexible attitude, and had to remain under the guidance of officials, both British and Indian.

A Viceroy's term of office, which was limited to four years, made alterations to the legal system difficult, but within the limits of Lord Ripon's wishes, steps were taken to give the Indians greater authority over their own affairs, which was not always popular with the resident British population of planters and traders.

On Lord Ripon's recall in December 1884, he left India, having prepared the ground for a reception party in honour of the Amir of Afghanistan at Rawalpindi in April the following year, to be hosted by his successor, Lord Dufferin.

The high point of his time as Viceroy must be his success in Afghanistan. Lord Ripon was a judge of character and he saw in Abdur Rahman, a tough leader who was strong enough to unite his country. The Viceroy's determined action proved worthwhile and saved many lives, both in the British and Afghanistan forces, as well as clearing up a prolonged war which had involved so many British units.

It is surprising history has not acclaimed the Viceroy's success and achievement. Lord Ripon respected human life of all colours and denominations, and he gave peace where none had existed for so long, north of the Indian border.

Amongst those who served on his staff during his time in office, as his aide-de-camp, Major Gordon, later General Gordon of Khartoum, but this famous soldier was posted home shortly after Lord Ripon's arrival in India.

It is impossible to brush aside Lord Ripon's political life and isolate this side of his career from Nocton's history. His early life on his parents' estate made him realise his good fortune. Their influence on how to look after tenants and staff made a deep impression. As he grew up, he learnt that the only way people would respond to leadership, was by setting the example, through one's own self discipline. Personal contact with everyone at Nocton, broke down resentment when disagreements arose, and brought about a warm friendship, which has remained with so many Nocton and Dunston families.

On the termination of the Crimean War in 1855, Florence Nightingale continued to press Sidney Herbert and gain his support as War Secretary, for a Military Hospital. Florence had strong backing from Earl De Grey. These two clamoured for sanitary improvements and argued the advantage of military hygiene under the guidance of medical officers, to include all fields covering a soldier's welfare. Barracks, living accommodation and first aid stations did not escape criticism. They convinced the 'Establishment' their proposals must be adopted if the troops were to be kept fit and free from disease and illness, and be in readiness for military service.

The first Military Hospital at Woolwich, received Sidney Herbert's blessing and the construction went ahead, but Lord Herbert died before the hospital had been completed.

The Duke of Cambridge, Commander in Chief of the Army, had different ideas and was opposed to any form of military welfare and totally against Florence Nightingale's hygienic principles. The Duke declared his position and took steps to prevent the completion of the Woolwich development. Never tangle with a woman if you don't want to be scratched! Florence sought Earl De Grey's support. Lord Ripon politely reminded the Duke that the construction of the Army Hospital had been passed by and Act of Parliament. The building was then completed without further interference and the Duke decided Florence was too forceful to be faced in a frontal attack even though he remained convinced she was a 'crank and trouble maker'.

Our 19th century wonder nurse, knew Earl De Grey was a useful ally, and as time passed, their friendship strengthened to their mutual advantage. Nothing was allowed to stand in the way when Florence Nightingale decided on any move to improve her soldiers' welfare. She had the physical strength and dedication for her task. De Grey advised his Parliamentary friends that they should concede to her wishes, otherwise they would be in for sleepless nights. When she came over from Lea Hurst, her home near Matlock, to Nocton Hall, the two reformers subtle ways to hasten improvements, and a better way of life for the Victorian soldier.

After Lord Ripon went to India as Viceroy, he continued to write to Florence for advice on medical matters. Letters flowed between India and England, but to fulfil their dreams of hygienic conditions throughout India, was a task beyond their power.

Florence Nightingale's estates in Derbyshire, Hampshire and Wiltshire provided an income to make her completely independent and free from any financial worry, other than the running of her estates successfully. She could concentrate on her nursing ambitions and as these two famous individuals exchanged ideas, Lord Ripon would advise her on estate problems and she in return could suggest further reforms to improve the medical and nursing service. When they walked around the grounds of Nocton Hall discussing problems of the time, nothing would have given them greater satisfaction, than knowing that in the years ahead, this stately home and park would be a military hospital through which thousands of medical patients would pass each year.

On the domestic front and within the bounds of the Nocton estate, Lord Ripon did not neglect the welfare of his own people. During his 22 years at the Hall, he furthered his mother's ambitions. In October 1869, he established himself and those who should follow, as patrons of the Church living, further adding to the illustrious names of earlier times which included Queen Elizabeth I. Through his inheritance, he had held the patronage of the Church at Bennington by Boston since the time of Judge Ellys. This he now legally exchanged for Nocton and Dunston.

In the same year, the old school, consisting of two semi-detached cottages were removed and replaced by the existing school in its present setting, and for a further 20 years, financed all the educational costs for the village.

In 1870, to the east of the new school and opposite the old Georgian vicarage was a dilapidated old house and a set of broken down barns known as Scarcliffe Farm. Lord Ripon had this eyesore removed as well as the outer park wall to give an enlarged village green and play area for the school children.

In 1873, on his son Oliver's 21st birthday, a chestnut tree was planted on the village green to celebrate the young Earl's coming of age. In the years ahead, this was a favourite sitting out place for Mr. Bratt to instruct his pupils in the soft shade from the high branches. His natural history classes had a sense of adventure and were a thrill for the young children taking their first lessons on butterflies and caterpillars. An escape from the classroom on a hot day was an electrifying moment and with live insects to study, the children realised country life was a terrific thrill.

In 1874, after the Marquis had become a Roman Catholic, he passed his authority for the selection of vicar to his son Oliver, the Earl De Grey. This family adjustment had no effect on Nocton and made no difference to relationships with those on the estate,

Lord Ripon was anxious to have a faster way of travelling and urged George Hodgson, as Chairman of the Yorkshire Banking Company, to use his influence on a fellow Director, George Leeman, Member of Parliament for York and Chairman of the North Eastern Railway Company, to build a railway line south from Lincoln to Sleaford, which would connect Nocton to the outside world.

On 1st August 1882, the line opened to traffic and Nocton and Dunston shared a station. Lord Ripon made an agreement with the Great Eastern Railway Company that all passenger services could be halted at Nocton Station to allow people to board the express trains. This privilege remained during the time of our family at the Hall and my father found it most convenient. His only comment was that he felt obliged to buy a first class ticket! When the railway track advanced from the north and south to complete the necessary link up, Nocton village accommodated over 600 navvies, who manfully dug out the cuttings of limestone and shale. A huge coral, six feet in diameter, was removed from near the bridge close to Hall Lodge gate. This work illustrated the severe manual hardship endured by rugged gentlemen, largely from Ireland. Today, with modern equipment, such human struggle and back breaking endeavour is no longer necessary as mechanical tools fulfil the same purpose. In August 1888, Nocton Station turned from a quiet country stop and for a few hours resembled a Twickenham Halt on Rugby International Day. The Great Eastern engines, immaculate in their blue livery, brought in train after train carrying passengers from all over Lincolnshire. The Station Master, supported by his eleven porters, could not understand why so many people were coming for a political meeting. As each train arrived, ladies and gentlemen spilled out of the compartments. Few men in political life, had the ability to draw a crowd. When the Lincolnshire Liberal Executive asked Lord Ripon for his permission to hold a demonstration at his his home, he readily agreed, expecting a turnout of perhaps two or three hundred enthusiastic supporters. Over 10,000 arrived and made their way to the west lawn to pay tribute, and by the shattering roar, on the conclusion of Lord Ripon's speech, no one was left in doubt of the respect held for the Marquis.

Later the following year, rumour confirmed that Lord Ripon had sold the Nocton estate to George Hodgson. The villagers and tenants were shattered by the news. A feeling of real security existed in their relationship with the Marquis, and to lose an individual who had served them all with so much consideration, was an unexpected blow.

'Who was George Hodgson?' 'A Yorkshire lad with Mills at Thornton near Bradford' was the only information coming from the Hall. The village had no public house but the two inns nearby, one in Dunston and the other at the Wasps' Nest, were crowded the following night. The beer flowed, conversation gathered both speed and speculation, and before closing, a concentration of dense alcoholic fumes mixed with tobacco smoke, expanded human imagination and convinced the landlords when they called 'time', this was indeed the end of time. What a moment for self analysis. All felt guilty that in some way they must have let their great landlord down. The head gamekeeper acquitted his conscience. A total of over 10,000 head of game had fallen to the guns during the shooting season. The two greatest sporting shots in history had maintained their high averages and at every shoot, the birds had flown high and strong on the wing.

The farmers went to bed and could not sleep or acquit their guilty feelings. Should they have paid a higher rent? No one felt happy. Why, oh, why? Nocton, since the beginning of time, had been owned by a titled gentleman. Their new boss - no. The very thought of a plain Hodge could not be accepted. The very word 'Nocton' when quietly mentioned in the County, created thoughts of something far above the gold standard. An address completed with the magic word, meant instant credit. Nocton was the finest agricultural estate in England. Misery prevailed over fen, park and heath. The Hall and village had to await the arrival of an unwanted owner.

Lord Ripon gave no explanation why he had decided to part with his family home other than he felt the financial strain of maintaining the estate was beyond his resources. He was determined that the state of perfection which prevailed in the park and family areas should continue. The income from the tenants and rural industry was not sufficient and would require subsidies which were beyond his reach. The estates he had inherited in Yorkshire needed attention and demanded further capital. The overall assessment made it prudent to contract, and of all his estates, the final decision was made to sell Nocton.

The Marquis, knowing that all his homes, including the London residence in Carlton Terrace, were all furnished, left the contents of Nocton Hall for the new 'Lord of the Manor' and only removed his personal belongings including his guns, so frequently in use on the estate during the shooting season.

Trusts were created for a number of the retired staff living in the villages and pensions allotted to the senior servants who had served the Ripon family so faithfully.

Rather than detail Lord Ripon's activities after leaving Nocton, it is necessary to summarise his successes during his last 20 years in public life.

In 1892, he administered the Colonial Office under Gladstone and continued in this post from 1894 with Lord Roseberry. In 1898, he received the Freedom of the City of Dublin. In the formation of Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman's ministry in 1905, he accepted the office of Leader of the House of Lords, following Lord Spencer who had resigned for health reasons, and in this position, stepped in to give the Prime Minister's speech at the Lord Mayor's Banquet which, by tradition, was given by the Premier, but was on this occasion in mourning.

At the end of his career in 1908, the Eighty Club honoured the Marquis with a lunch at the Savoy, where this great gentleman delivered his last public speech in the service of his country.
________________________________________________________

Nocton Hall - Revelations of an Imp - Chapter 11

Lord and Lady Ripon

Frederick John Robinson - Born 1.11.1782 - Died 28.1.1859
Lady Sarah Albinia Hobart - Born 22.2.1793 - Married 1.9.1814 - Died 9.4.1867

Lady Sarah Hobart was born the year before her parents went out to Madras at the time her father took up his appointment as Governor for this state in the south east of India. Madras was an important commercial port with a growing population centred on the East India Company's commercial initiative throughout eastern Asia. Sarah's mother found the heat oppressive and as time passed, her vitality languished. Slowly her health declined. Her thoughts and memories centred on the home of past years in Co. Cork. The cool breezes and refreshing rain of south west Ireland could have lifted her spirits but in Madras she succumbed steadily to the hot humidity. Margaretta desperately fought her private battle with her failing health, to look after her daughter and support her husband, but after three years, all was lost. She died in 1796 after the birth of her baby son John, who passed away just after his mother's death. Robert was left a widower with only Sarah to remind him of his lovely wife. Perhaps in this difficult time, his little daughter, although so young, developed the beginnings of her strong character which was to give her strength in the battle of life ahead.

Two years before her father's fatal accident in St. James's Park, Sarah married Frederick John Robinson on 1st September 1814, the second son of the Earl of Grantham. In 1815 Robert, the fourth Earl, became a proud grandfather when Sarah gave birth to a daughter, Eleanor Henrietta Victoria, on 22nd May. Their second child, a boy, born the following year, lived only two days.

Her husband was member of Parliament for Ripon and Joint Paymaster of the armed forces. Born in February 1782 he was 11 years older than Sarah. In high society and as Chancellor of the Exchequer, he had acquired the nickname of 'Prosperity Robinson'. Educated at Harrow and St. John's, Cambridge, his career in politics as a Tory moved rapidly up the ladder of success. When only 41, he went to No. 11 Downing Street, the post he held for four years. Tragedy once again struck Sarah, in 1826 their eleven years old daughter Eleanor died. On 28th April 1827 he became Viscount Goderich of Nocton. The title of Goderich descending from the Duke of Kent, through Jemima, his aunt, the countess of Grantham. In August of the same year, George IV offered him the Premiership.

In Lord Liverpool's administration of 15 years from 1812-1827, Frederick constantly held a senior cabinet post. It was, therefore, natural that the King, on George Canning's death, would call on Frederick to lead the government. Within six months, Goderich realised he could not command the full loyalty of his cabinet. The King's statements were an added embarrassment. Instead of giving the Prime Minister his full support, his remarks were publicly critical of the Tory party. The Duke of Wellington was at hand. A father figure of the nation, and who better than this famous soldier to take the Tory leadership into his safe keeping. Goderich recommended Wellington to the King as his successor. The Duke continued to lead the Tory party for the next three years. The most notable achievement and a unique first which will be remembered for all time, during the Premiership of Goderich was when Sarah, having conceived in No. 11, gave birth to their third child in No. 10 Downing Street on the 4th October. The nation rejoiced with the Prime Minister and his wife on the arrival of George Frederick Samuel Robinson who was to become one of our country's greats.

After the Viscount's resignation from office, he was created Earl of Ripon on 13th April 1833. He served in Sir Robert Peel's cabinet on the return of the Tory party to power and continued in politics until 1847 when he withdrew from public life during the Whig Premiership of Lord John Russell.

Sarah and Frederick had a devoted love for Nocton which she had inherited on her father's death as his only surviving child. The management of the estate and welfare of the villagers in Nocton and Dunston created several problems. The first being the little Church built by her grandfather. St. Peter's in Nocton required major modifications and maintenance. The Robinsons ordered the work to go ahead and was paid for by the villagers and tenants with a large donation from the Hall.

Secondly, the Fen, always a farming problem, had further drainage difficulties. The old wind engine was replaced with a steam engine costing £4,000, against strong opposition from different authorities who doubted the Witham banks would withstand the force of water ejected by a more efficient method of drainage.

Nocton's Mill, between the village and the Sleaford Road, was burnt down in 1833. A further fire in the village alerted the Earl's steward who then doubted whether these disasters were the result of accidents. The Earl ordered a fire engine of the latest design to safeguard the estate property in the future.

The House of Commons was burnt down in the disastrous fire of 16.10.1834. The same year, on 15th July at 9 o'clock on a Tuesday evening, Richard Semper with other estate craftsmen were walking up from Nocton Fen when, in the failing light, they saw flames licking out from under the eves on the Hall roof. Nocton Hall was ablaze. Not a single man on the estate failed to turn up and lend a helping hand in a vain battle to save this magnificent building.

The new fire engine proved useless. The fire spread as lead and straw in the roof formed a volatile mix to accelerate the spread of flames. It was soon clear that nothing could save the Hall and every attempt must be made to get out the contents. A salvage operation was immediately mounted and with considerable risk, the fire fighters carried out the major part of the Hall's furnishings including pictures, tables and a chest which contained the toys of Lady Eleanor, the only daughter of the Earl and Countess, who had died so young only a few years before. All the books, a quantity of wine, bed linen and blankets were passed by a human chain away from destruction. 150 years later, the same blankets saved from the fire are still in use. What a testimony to the quality of Lincolnshire longwool ewe that after so long, the wool can still provide comfort to human beings!

Was the Nocton Hall fire an isolated disaster? Was there somebody who was hell bent on the destruction of the House of Commons as well as Nocton Hall?

The Tory party had passed the Poor Law Amendment Act, a measure to tighten up Government expenditure which even in 1834 was necessary to balance the nation's budget. In Dorset, a quiet country area of southern England, the farm workers were striving for an improvement in their way of life, but the now famous group 'The Tolpuddle Martyrs' were harshly victimised to discourage a working class revolt that might get out of hand. Could these events have a connection with the Nocton Fire?

In politics an individual in high office and a faithful servant of our country can become the target of vengeance for a vindictive 'nut case'. Such a person may be prepared to destroy the structural heritage of a democratic nation, in a mean effort to satisfy a personal hatred. Such an imaginative obsession grips the mind of a man or woman and there is no easy way of knowing when a government action can trigger a human reaction that ends in disaster to both property and person that are hurtful and callous.

The Nocton Hall fire was extinguished 15 hours after the flames had been seen and only a small part of the north wing remained intact. This part was later joined to the new Hall as a lasting memory of the original Manor building which dated back to the early centuries. It was also an ancestral link between two historical families in the Earl's heritage.

A certain Metcalf Robinson, created Baronet in 1661, united D'Arcy to Robinson on his marriage to the daughter of Sir William D'Arcy of Witton Castle, Co. Durham. Nocton had completed the link to join the ancestry of the D'Arcys with the present owners.

Sarah felt the loss of her home deeply, so with their young son, only 7 years old, they all moved to a house on the Branston estate to remain near the burnt out home. Plans were slowly formulated for the restoration of their property. Priceless antique furniture had been scorched or severely damaged - pictures destroyed or stained. The salvage work was enormous, but everybody, including tenants on the estate, set to with total dedication to restore the contents of the Hall.

The Noble family, with their special skills in woodwork, took on the repairs to the furniture which had been distributed in vacant dry barns until required for skilled surgery by cannibalising undamaged wood from burnt furniture and repairing the slightly damaged pieces.

A full inventory was completed and the responsibility of restoration designated to specialists in the village and in Lincoln who would undertake the repairs.

Sarah was a born administrator and only a few weeks after the fire, the estate knew it was only a matter of time before a new Hall would again stand in the park to house the contents now scattered around the barns on the estate. Henry Lewis, Sarah's uncle and Vicar of Nocton, lent his full weight to encourage and rebuild the family home. What an inspiration the Dean's sympathy and deep understanding were to everybody and not least, to his dear niece who had now suffered so much with the death of two children and the loss of her family home.

Sir George Gilbert Scott, the famous Victorian architect, one of Sarah's close friends, graciously offered his services free and acted as an adviser to William Sherbourne of Dorking, the son of an estate carpenter, in designing the present Hall.

There were still problems to overcome before the new Hall could be built, but the tenants offered as an inducement to get the work underway, the haulage of all materials as well as assistance in the actual construction of the new building. The greater part of the stone for the Hall came from the estate quarry close to the Lincoln-Sleaford Road, but the principals were of a harder and more durable quality from a stone supply near Ancaster. On 26th October 1841, just seven years after the destructive fire, Frederick and Sarah's son, George, at the age of 14, laid the foundation stone on the north side bearing the inscription of essential facts relating to past history. The new Hall, seen in all its glory, is a fitting tribute to George Gilbert Scott. His countryhouse masterpiece.

In gratitude for help and sympathy given from the estate and tenants after the loss of the Hall, Lord and Lady Ripon set about rebuilding almost the entire village of Nocton. In 1862, the Countess pulled down the 18th century Church of St. Peter. It was far from compatible with the new Hall and in token of Sir George Gilbert Scott's past generosity, she commissioned him to design and supervise the construction of the new All Saints. This beautiful village Church in a unique country setting is now regarded as one of the finest modern churches, not only in Lincolnshire, but in Great Britain. The steeple towering into the heavens acclaims its presence to those who wish to visit such a marvellous and sacred holy building. When you walk down the footpath to All Saints, a feeling of awe lifts one's eye to the heavens. The spire points your vision to the sky and on entry to the Church, a feeling of peace descends to give fulfilment to your soul.

All Saints was consecrated by Bishop Jackson 16th December 1862 and Lady Ripon, through her resolve, had made a consecrated home the last resting place for her husband who died on 28th January 1859 a fitting Church for a Prime Minister.

The Countess outlived Frederick by eight years. Beloved Sarah, to whom Nocton owes so much, died on 9th April 1867. Not only was the Poor House rebuilt by her generosity, but many of the present homes in the village. Their construction in Nocton stone was always in character. The rows of houses and cottages blended with the surrounds, giving the village a gentle appearance when softened with views of hardwood trees standing proudly at the sides of the roadways.

Towards the Church and old school, Lady Ripon left ample space for lawns broken by footpaths leading to the houses and school. Steddles were placed at regular intervals to protect the grass from wagons rutting the lawn with their wheels and confine transport to the roadway which leads down to the Church and vicarage.

According to the season of the year, much of the churchyard and surrounds glory in large carpets of snowdrops, followed as the year unfolds by a massive display of wild daffodils. In the eye of a small child seen looking at nature's spring beauty, enhanced by the care of man, gives this part of Nocton Village a glimpse of their 'Garden of Eden'.

The Countess regarded the village with the same critical eye that influenced her work in developing the natural charm of the park and flower borders surrounding the Hall. She set the highest standard with the result that everybody tended and cared for their own gardens with equal enthusiasm. An air of friendly competition prevailed that made Nocton one of the most lovely villages in Lincolnshire. Today, this spirit lives on and the gardens are just as beautiful.

When Lady Sarah Ripon died, the estate lost a gallant and courageous friend. In her will, she placed on record her love for her home and people who had stood affectionately and firmly with her in times of adversity. She declared her interest in the future, now in the hands of her son George.
_______________________________________________________

Nocton Bits and Pieces

The Green

The chestnut tree on The Green was planted by Lord Ripon’s one son, Earl de Grey in 1873. This was to commemorate his 21st birthday.

Nocton Estate

Nocton Estate was once owned by a company - Agricultural Estates Ltd. F. Le Neve Foster advised on 9th July 1962 (in a letter to one Mr Ireson), “So far as I recollect, the Estate, with other large farms, was sold by Dennis and Sons to a public company floated by Hatry in 1920 to which the public were invited to subscribe on the basis of a valuation by Knight, Frank and Rutley. This flotation has particular interest because I believe it was the only occasion on which the Public were invited to subscribe to a purely farming enterprise. It was not a success and never paid a dividend.”

Ripon’s Gun Smashes Estimate

(Shooting Times and Country Magazine - 9th September 1999)

Lord Ripon’s shotgun fetched £40,000 at the recent Sotheby sale of modern and vintage guns and rifles at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire.

The 12-bore hammer ejector was made for Lord Ripon by James Purdey & Sons in 1895. It was the No 2 gun of a pair, which went under the hammer along with the game book from Lord Ripon’s Yorkshire estate. The gun was originally given by Lord Ripon to his head gamekeeper at Studley Royal who passed it on to his son.

Lord Ripon was widely regarded as one of the finest and fastest Shots of his time. He died in 1923 with his gun in his hand on Dallowgill Moor. He recorded 556,813 head of game and, on one occasion, he is reputed to have had seven dead pheasants in the air at one time.