An archaeological dig at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, seeking a gatekeeper's house.
An archaeological dig at Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, excavating what is thought is a gatekeeper's house near the ruined manorial house. The diggers are part of an outreach programme of Leicester University. Bradgate Park is a public park in Charnwood Forest, in Leicestershire, England, northwest of Leicester lying between the villages of Newtown Linford, Anstey, Cropston, Woodhouse Eaves and Swithland. The River Lin runs through the park, flowing into Cropston Reservoir and to the north-east lies Swithland Wood. There are two well known landmarks, Old John and the war memorial. A prominent landmark is the folly known as 'Old John' on the top of the highest hill in the park. Built by the Greys in 1784, the folly is, by local legend, a memorial to John, an estate worker killed in a bonfire accident during celebrations of the 21st birthday of the future eighth Earl of Stamford. However he was not 21 until 1786, and a map of 1745 names the hill as 'Old John'. The tower was used during the 19th century as a viewing point for the horse-racing practice circuit laid out by the seventh earl. British United Shoe Machinery founder Charles Bennion in 1928 gave it in perpetuity to the people of the Leicestershire. Plaques on Old John and the main path through the park commemorate the gift.
Size: 6000px × 4000px
Location: Bradgate Park, Leicestershire, England, UK
Photo credit: © Philip Chapman / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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