Friday 20 November 2009

The tunnel from Stainborough Castle to Saville Hall Farm

For many years there was talk of a tunnel connecting Stainborough Castle to Saville Hall Farm. That may seem a little far-fetched given today's understanding of mining matters. So what's the truth?...

Was there ever a tunnel?

What evidence exists to say a tunnel did or did not exist?

Where did the idea - and the story - come from?

Is there any explanation at all?

Editor

8 comments:

  1. The explanation may be related to the established fact that after Lord Strafford; i.e. Thomas Wentworth, took over the Stainborough estate, he acquired Saville Hall as a residence for his estate manager. It seems likely that the manager would have had reason to travel back and forth between the two sites, and that he may have had a private way to make that journey.

    The Editor

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  2. The tunnel is under the statue , I remember my grandmar was a cleaner at wentworth castle and I remember the opening was uncovered when they built the entrance to the cellar bar! nobody ever believes me but I saw it.

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  3. Hi Anonymous,

    Thanks for your reply, and sorry for the delayed response.

    You are correct in your recollection!

    I well remember the ‘discovery’ of the tunnel, and who did that, and what they were doing when they discovered it.

    Recently I saw the official archaeological report on what they made of it – unfortunately it is not very exciting.

    Still, I think that it is linked to the story that there used to be a tunnel to Saville Hall Farm. A senior employee of the Wentworth family; Mr Petch, used to live at Saville Hall Farm, and he had a reputation for turning up unexpectedly in the walled gardens at the Castle. There was until the 1980’s a tunnel under the road just below Steeple Lodge, and from there a path or bridle way, through the Lowe Wood, then to Saville Hall Farm. I guess that Mr Petch used to travel that way, as I understand it typically early in the morning, and being unobserved and unannounced may well have surprised people by his unexpected presence.

    What else did your Gran tell you? Did she e.g. say anything about the stained glass window at the bottom of the wooden stairs, anything about other tunnels, what about ghosts and spooky things, did she work there before the 1960’s classrooms were built? Did she mention anything about the other staff especially the gardeners?

    Do you know that there is a Wentworth Castle Archives group which meets monthly in the Long Barn or the café at the Castle? At present they are trying to trace all the Head Gardeners who worked at the Castle for the Wentworths.
    The next meeting is on 1 April 2014 at 1300.

    Do you have any other stories that we can share on this blog?

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  4. It's amazing what you can find on the internet these days.
    I used to live at Orchard Cottage on Saville Hall Lane, and I remember some time after my parents bought it someone told them about the secret tunnel to Wentworth Castle, which was reputed to go from our cellar.

    Sadly, my best Famous Five style investigations failed to find any hidden entrances, but it was a good story nonetheless!

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  5. I am informed that the information about the Archives Group is incorrect. It does exist, and apparently meets periodically - but not regularly. I am aware that some members of the group read this blog - therefore if you have anything to say that you think may interest them - I suggest you say it here - and from that they may seek contact with you - and I will always be pleased to arrange that. The Editor.

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  6. This is a message to A.S. who sent a comment that is now 'lost' and which related to 'the tunnel' and a tale that it connected to a cottage near Saville Hall Farm. I am afraid that I could not get a message to you from the information you left me - and freely admit that may be due to my limited ability in handling the technology involved - so I hope that what follows is satisfactory... The informant diligently searched the cellars of his or his parents house - but found no trace of any tunnel...

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    Replies
    1. Good heavens! The comment from A.S. has appeared! SO I take back anything I have said that may be inappropriate and therefore cause offence! and I will try and replicate that trick with any other comment that I happen to receive!

      The Editor.

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    2. Hi again MurphyMax,

      It has just dawned on me that Mr MacDonald - and Mr Donald - may be the same person! - do you have any observations on that thought?

      The Editor.

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