Chapel And Ruins Of Mansion

The Chapel and ruins of the mansion, dating from around 1490, are located in Newtown Linford within Bradgate Park. The chapel is constructed of diapered red brick with stone dressings. It features a brick plinth with stone moulding, a moulded stone band, dentilled eaves made of brick, and a renewed Swithland slate roof with a gable facing. In the gable end, there is a large 6 by 4 leaded light mullion and transom window with a hood mould, along with two blocked windows on the left side. Inside the chapel, there are two arched cross beams, a bricked floor, a slate floor slab dated 1719, and a fine alabaster tomb, possibly restored, of Henry Baron Grey of Groby, who died in 1614, and his wife Ann. The tomb features recumbent effigies and a tomb-chest set in a recess, flanked by columns and topped with an entablature that includes an achievement and supporters, along with strapwork decoration. Surrounding the chapel are the ruins of the mansion, which include four towers—one square and three polygonal—three of which remain at two storey height. One wall of the Great Hall still stands, showcasing stone moulded frames of large windows. The mansion was primarily built by Thomas Grey, the 1st Marquis of Dorset, who was the great grandfather of Lady Jane Grey, as this was her childhood home. In 1547, Sir William Cavendish and Bess of Hardwick were married in the chapel. The park setting is an impressive example of an ancient deer park, characterized by hills, gnarled trees, and a stream running through the valley center. The site is also a scheduled ancient monument.