Bradgate Park talk enjoyed

“WELCOME to Peter and Lynne Upton”, said Jane Jones, president of the Loughborough Welsh Society, at their latest meeting. “Our subject today is Bradgate Park, and I know some of you members may not have had the chance to visit, but hopefully your interest will be aroused, and you will feel inspired to go.”

Taking it in turns, Peter and Lynne spent a good hour talking and showing slides of the park.

They informed their audience that the terrain and the soil is unsuitable for agriculture, but was found to be ideal for use as a Deer Park. Early the Deer Park was much smaller and surrounded by a ditch and fence; but it was extended in 16th Century by Thomas Grey.

The Grey Family owned the Park from 1427 until it was sold in 1928. The Grey Family built Bradgate House in 16th Century as one of the first unfortified houses in Britain, but was abandoned in the 18th Century.

Perhaps the most famous member of the family was Lady Jane Grey, “the Nine Days Queen” who was born at the house.

Peter and Lynne went on to talk about the landscape shaped by complex geology, with it’s hard jagged rocks and sands forming an undulating surface.

As well as Bradgate House, they spent time on some of the other features of the park, like “Old John” the prominent tower built in 1784, which has been described as a beer tankard, the War Memorial built in 1924, which commemorates the men of the Leicestershire Yeomanry who died in the Boer War and WW1, with WW2 added at a later date.

There are also the 105 ancient oaks, some believed to be over 800 years old, which provide cover for the deer.

The deer are of two basic types - Red and Fallow, and are looked after by full time Rangers, who are also responsible for other work in the Park. There are also some 200 Volunteers who look after the visitor’s centre, cafe, provide guided walks, and are engaged with loads of primary school children who visit the park.

Peter anbd Lynne encouraged the members to visit the park often, so they can keep up to date with latest developments, one of which is the work on renewing the race track around Old John.

Although some people moan about the car parking the fees help to support the running of the park, as it relies on them and the National Lottery to maintain the upkeep.