Save Wingfield Manor - Petition Launch

Image: David Screen

Amber Valley MP, Linsey Farnsworth and Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust Launch Petition to Save Wingfield Manor

South Wingfield, Derbyshire – Amber Valley MP, Linsey Farnsworth, and heritage campaigners, the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT), are asking members of the public to sign a petition urging the Government to take action to secure the future of Wingfield Manor.

The magnificent ruins of this Grade 1 listed manor sit on a hill, overlooking beautiful Amber Valley countryside.

As hidden gems go, you’d be hard pressed to find one as impressive or as historically significant as Wingfield Manor. Built in the 15th Century, it is a striking example of late medieval architecture, said to have inspired Hampton Court Palace, and it boasts a rich, storied history.

The Manor’s most famous resident was undoubtedly Mary, Queen of Scots. She was imprisoned here on two separate occasions, and it is believed that Wingfield Manor played host to the infamous Babington Plot.

Over the years it has also been a battleground, during the English Civil War; a strategic munitions store, during World War II; and, it was even home to one of the country’s first flushing toilets.

Despite its significance, the Manor is currently closed to the public due to safety concerns. While the ruins are in private ownership, they are considered a scheduled monument, on which the government of 1960 placed a guardianship order. English Heritage has been responsible for the site’s upkeep, but the costs involved in making it accessible to the public have proved prohibitive. It is now listed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register due to its deteriorating condition.

The Manor has been passed down through generations and its current owner has now decided it is time to move on and sell this historic monument.

Both Linsey Farnsworth, MP, and the Trustees of the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) see this as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. They are calling on members of the public to add their names to a petition, asking the government to recognise the importance of Wingfield Hall and to take steps to ensure it is made once more accessible to the public, and available for everyone to enjoy.

The petition will be available to sign in a number of venues until June 30th, after which it will be presented in parliament by Ms Farnsworth.

Linsey Farnsworth said:

“Wingfield Manor is a unique and irreplaceable part of Amber Valley’s heritage and our nation’s story.

“This magnificent building, with its long and fascinating history, stands at a crossroads. It could be allowed to continue in its decline until we lose it forever. However, we are fighting to see that it is saved. This would not only safeguard an important historical site but also create opportunities for education tourism and community engagement in Amber Valley.”

Barry Joyce, trustee of Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT),  said:

"The petition provides an opportunity for the people of Derbyshire to express their affection and concern for this great monument. Also their hopes for it to be purchased for the nation, repaired by English Heritage and once again open for the public to enjoy."

Residents are encouraged to sign and share the petition to show their support for saving this important local landmark.

Supporters can sign the petition at the following locations:

Alfreton

Alfreton House Tea Rooms, 127 High St, Alfreton DE55 7HH

The Moot Bar, 19, 19a, Church St, Alfreton DE55 7AH

Ripley

Town Council Office, Town Hall, Market Place, Ripley DE5 3BT

South Wingfield

Wingfield Station, Holme Lane, DE55 7LJ

Please check our website and here for updated locations and news.

If you would like to collect signatures yourself, please call 020 7219 2737 or email: Linsey.farnsworth.mp@parliament.uk

Please note that the petition needs to be in paper format (rather than online signatures) because then it allows Linsey to present it formally in Parliament to the Speaker of the House. 

Both the wording of the petition and the response will be published in Hansard as a lasting record that this has been raised in Parliament.  E-petitions (online) can be presented, but these tend to only be considered by Parliament if there are 10,000 signatures. With the time pressure, paper format is our way forward.

How to Take Part

1. Download the Petition Pack

Click here to download the petition pack (PDF): This includes:

- A front cover with background information (for reference only)

- A continuation sheet where you can add your signature and details

2. Read the Front Page - The front page explains the purpose of the petition and is intended for MPs to sign. Please read it before signing.

3. Sign the Continuation Sheet - Add your name, full postal address, and signature on the continuation sheet to show your support.

4. Gather More Signatures (Optional) - Ask friends, family, or neighbours to sign the continuation sheet as well.

5. Return the Completed Sheet - Please return the signed continuation sheet(s) by 30th June 2025 to:

Linsey Farnsworth, MP, Mallaber House, Unicorn Business Park, Wellington Street, Ripley DE5 3E11

Need a Printed Copy?

If you’re unable to print the petition materials yourself, we’re happy to send you a printed pack. Call: 020 7219 2737 or Email: Linsey.farnsworth.mp@parliament.uk

DHBT Trustee, Peter Milner, with Linsey Farnsworth MP and Matt Allwood at the entrance to Wingfield Manor to promote the launch of the petition, May 2025. Photo: David Screen