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The shell of Sutton Scarsdale Hall occupies a ridge looking down on
the M1 Motorway and beyond, north-east, to Bolsover Castle. The
earliest part of the hall is 17th Century but the visible remains are
principally 18th Century.
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Seven members met at 10.30 am on a warm, sunny morning at the English
Heritage site. In the course of our three hour visit there was a
small number of other visitors passing through and enjoying the
quiet and tranquillity of the setting. |
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Initially, and as usual, members worked on their own dowsing interests
as individuals. Despite the visual appeal of the Hall's setting and
the peaceful atmosphere there was much to be found that was not
visible to the eye.
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Several members agreed their findings of a below-ground structure
connecting the north-west wing with the foundations of the gate-house
a short distance to the west. A centrally located well was dowsed together
with the adjacent underground storeroom (or wine cellar). |
Drains leaving the Hall were traced to a point where they met the south
extremity of the ha-ha. The imposing columns on the east face showed
as a source of complex and fascinating energy lines.
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Adjacent to the Hall is the medieval church and, although access was limited
to the exterior only, it was Lesley Hextall who made the most unexpected find of
all; the massive stone buttress, apparently built to support the east end
of the church, was, in fact, hollow.
Two frequent visitors to the site quite separately increased our knowledge
of the hall's history. One allowed us to view a large loose-leaf binder
in which he had collected an incredible amount of information. |
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Not the least interesting item concerned the fact that the highly decorative
fire surrounds and interiors of the hall are now on display at the
Museum of Philadelphia, in the United States.
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A delightful visit, in delightful surroundings,
in the best of company, and with excellent dowsing opportunities. |
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