Curiosity and the Red Deer - April 2014

Bradgate Park looked great in the spring sunshine, but initially there wasn't much wildlife about. So I decided to take some pics of the buildings and ruins.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 100mm

I have been reliably informed that the picture above cannot be taken. But if you find the right place all three, as you can see are there. In the foreground is the ruin of Lady Jane Grey's family home. On the hill behind, with its arch clearly visible is Old John. It used to be thought of as a mill, but now the general opinion is that it was a folly.  On the ridge to the left is the war memorial.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

As I rode my mobility scooter up the side of the ruined house, this group of Red Deer became curious and wandered over to have a look at me.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 320mm

Some of them weren't shy about coming forward to have a look.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 400mm

While others decided to stay with the protection of the bushes.

1/1000 @ f6.3, iso 400, 210mm

Then headed for the hills.

1/800 @ f6.3, iso 400, 210mm

All taken on Canon EOS 7D, EF 100 - 400mm L series Lens

Lady Jane Grey - 6 October 2013

Bradgate House in the middle of the Bradgate deer park is the ancestral home of the Grey family, the daughter of which was made Queen of England in 1553 and reigned for nine days before Mary took the throne and had her beheaded.

Below are the ruins of their home. 

1/60 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

It is said that Jane was the victim of politically ambitious parents and until they took her to London and crowned her, she had no pretensions in that direction. Nor did she know where she was being taken until they arrived at the Tower of London. 

1/250 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

An apparent myth about this time is that the woodsmen of the Charnwood Forest, in which the Greys' home is situated, would cut the tops from all the Royal oaks if Jane was beheaded. This tale has grown from the odd shape of many of the older oaks. However, oaks were coppiced at the time of Lady Jane and used for building ships for the navy. The odd shape would have resulted from the time that coppicing ceased.

1/200 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

Every old house should have a ghost story and Bradgate House is no different. It is said that, at midnight on mid-summer's night, Lady Jane's coach approaches along the road from the south, the Newtown Linford road, and stops outside the front door of the house.

1/100 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

However, the main road to the house was from the East, the direction of Anstey, and over a small bridge over the Lin.

1/200 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

We always thought it was just a myth, but some friends and I spent a mid-summer's night in a small old slate quarry nearby, with a clear view of the house.

1/200 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

Midnight approached, and we'd been telling horror stories to keep a light mood. We all watched as the moon disappeared behind an erie cloud and a slight mist rose from the damp grass.

1/125 @ 6.3, iso 800, 100mm

The bells of a nearby church rang out at midnight and we held our collective breath, looking expectantly towards Newtown Linford.

1/1000 @ 5.6, iso 800, 400mm

We waited in silence and .............. Nothing happened, she stood us up! Not the first woman to do that :o)

All taken on

Canon EOS 7d, EF 100 - 400mm