Deer Book of Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire, 1839-1848, with accompanying papers c.1700-c.1950s

This material is held atUniversity of Nottingham Manuscripts and Special Collections

Scope and Content

Volume lists buck, 'fullheads' and doe venison used 'at the house'; also lists names of recipients, both in the local area and further afield, who were given deer by Lord Middleton on a yearly basis, together with addresses of recipients and amount given, usually a half or a quarter.

The format in which the information is recorded varies but covers the years 1839-1848; after 1848 the volume contains general accounts for 1863 and 1864 including money received for milk; the prose beginning 'Tranquil Pleasures last the longest' is written out on the last page of the volume; there is also a recipe for 'Drink for Cow'.

The volume also contains a loose and incomplete parchment deed which appears to have been used as a wrapper; the deed dates from the reign of Queen Anne and relates to John Belfield of Grindon, Staffordshire, and John Tomlinson of Osmaston near Ashbourne, Derbyshire.

An inscription written in biro inside front cover records that the deer book was 'compiled by my great grandfather Isaac Wibberley Head Gamekeeper to Lord Middleton in 1833 or 1839-1864' and refers to portraits of Wibberley; the inscription is signed by Isacc Thornhill, Beeston, Notts.

A further loose note describes the volume as 'Accounts of all the deer shot in Wollaton Park in 1839 and subsequent years' and states that Geoffrey's Great-Great Grandfather was Head Gamekeeper to Lord Middleton, adding that Geoffrey was the son of Isaac.

Administrative / Biographical History

The Willoughby family, Lords Middleton, owned Wollaton Hall and Wollaton Park, Nottinghamshire, at the time this deer book was produced.

Arrangement

No archival arrangements has been necessary.

Access Information

Accessible to all readers.

Other Finding Aids

This description is the only finding aid available for the collection. Copyright in the description belongs to The University of Nottingham.

Physical Characteristics and/or Technical Requirements

Fair, except for the loose deed which is in poor condition.

Conditions Governing Use

Identification of copyright holders of unpublished material is often difficult.

Permission to make any published use of any material from the collection must be sought in writing from the Keeper of Manuscripts and Special Collections

Reprographic copies can be supplied for educational and private study purposes only, depending on access status and the condition of the documents.

Custodial History

The volume was purchased for Manuscripts and Special Collections from the sale at Mellors and Kirk, auctioneers, 10th June 2015 (lot 1170).

Related Material

Family and Estate Papers of the Willoughby Family, Lords Middleton, of Wollaton, Nottinghamshire (Ref: Mi)