Dear Vera & Trentham Estate Searchers
I was fascinated to read your messages about the Trentham Estate, and the chapter (James Hicks - The Last Gamekeeper) which you contributed to in the book "Trentham Refelections" by Graham Bebbington. The photographs are lovely. I have just returned from Staffordshire where my husband & I spent a couple of very useful days researching his Beech Family at the Staffordshire Archives, the Sutherland Collection is a real treasure trove - one day of searching is just not enough. I found the lodge keepers note book very helpful as it noted down arrival and departure times of all the workers and some very interesting comments! Have you any idea where the lodge keeper's house was? I too noticed the derelict buildings on the left hand side as you enter Park Drive from the main A34 (almost opposite the Mausoleum) and although some old maps show those buildings as a school I thought maybe they might have had an earlier use. The period I am talking about is from 1813 - yes nearly two hundred years ago! Logically it would have been placed at an entrance gate, and that does seem to be nearest to all the stables, laundry, blacksmiths etc.
I understand that in the early 1830's there was a real hive of activity with lots of new building works going on so original buildings could have either been demolished or up-dated. The Church was one of those buildings with the south wall being built with old stones from the original church and the Norman pillars incorporated into the new building. The porch was rebuilt using the arch from a previous building dated 1153. In the church there are memorial tiles to some of the estate workers including James Beech (blacksmith) and his wife Elizabeth. The church was re-dedicated in 1844. If you like to see the old wooden pews in the church, don't wait, there are plans to replace these in a few months time, finances permitting! The Mausoleum was built in 1807 and it is Grade 1 listed. Some of the old graves are in a dangerous condition and I believe there is to be an inspection very soon, so some might be moved on the grounds of safety. Now is the time to look before they go!
Plans are also in the pipeline to build a new hotel on the site of the old hall which was situated just outside the south door of the church. This hotel will give spectacular views of the lake and gardens, but I suspect will make the interior of the church darker than it is now.
Can I suggest that anyone who is researching members of their family tree who were workers on the Trentham Estate go and have a look now before it all changes. You can then go back again to see how some of the buildings have been restored. Buildings like the laundry, gas works & blacksmiths have already been improved so are no longer in danger of falling down, but I think they are privately owned. Please tread carefully.
Best Wishes,
Patsy