CHESTERFIELD CHURCH.
With its strangely-distorted spire, probably due to the unequal shrinking of its timbers.]
DUKERIES
=How to get there.=—From King's Cross. Great Northern Railway.
=Nearest Station.=—Worksop Station.
=Distance from London.=—146-1/2 miles.
=Average Time.=—3-1/2 hours.
1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—Single 20s. 1d. … 12s. 2-1/2d.
Return 40s. 2d. … 24s. 5d.
=Accommodation Obtainable.=—"Royal Hotel," etc., at Worksop.
=Alternative Route.=—From Marylebone or to Dukeries Junction from
King's Cross.
The district known as the "Dukeries" is undoubtedly the finest portion of what remains of the famous Sherwood Forest associated with Robin Hood and his "merrie men." The name "Dukeries" arises from the fact that within the boundaries of the forest were once the homes of the Dukes of Portland, Newcastle, Norfolk, Leeds, and Kingston. The Dukes of Norfolk and Leeds no longer hold their property, and Earl Manvers, as a representative of the Kingston family, preserves at Thoresby the traditions of his race. At Welbeck the Duke of Portland, and at Clumber the Duke of Newcastle, still keep up their magnificent homes. To the latter noblemen the majority of the "Dukeries" belongs. The drive round this lovely part of the forest is nearly 30 miles, through beautiful scenery.
Worksop, with its fine old priory church, is one of the best starting-points for a tour round the Dukeries. Clumber House, the seat of the Duke of Newcastle, is 4 miles from Worksop, and orders to see the interior can be obtained from the Newcastle agent, in Park Street, by writing a day or two beforehand. The mansion, built in 1772, is very magnificent and contains some priceless pictures.
Thoresby House, the seat of Earl Manvers, is not far distant from Clumber. The present house, which was designed by Salvin in 1868, is the third home of the Manvers which has occupied this site.
Welbeck Abbey, the home of the Duke of Portland, is another of the important seats in the district, standing in the centre of one of the finest parks in the kingdom. The mansion itself is not a showplace, but when the family is not in residence various parts of it are exhibited upon payment of 1s., any weekday except Saturday. An extra shilling will enable the visitor to view the underground apartments.