Sons and Lovers contains a detailed description of an Easter walk made by Paul Morel with friends and family from Alfreton to Ambergate. Separate accounts by Ada Lawrence and Jessie Chambers confirm that the walk really took place, in 1905. The highlight of the day was a visit to the ruins of Wingfield Manor, which provoked a lengthy and lyrical description: 'The young folk were in raptures.They went in trepidation, almost afraid that the delight of exploring this ruin might be denied them ...'.
They were lucky not to visit the Manor today, since they would have no chance of exploration now. Despite being what is ludicrously called in the 'care' of English Heritage, the site has been effectively closed to the public for the last few years, except for the occasional day when pre-booked parties can visit. English Heritage have produced no clear reason for denying access to one of the most remarkable historic sites in the North Midlands.
The photo shows the east side of the manor on a misty, frosty winter's morning.
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