FOREMARK
INFORMATION
Where is it? – Off the A514 at Swarkestone on the road west to Milton and Repton (SK334265).
What to do? – Visit Anchor Church, but beware that the footpath in front of the church may be flooded by the river. It is probably easiest to approach from the western side using Ordnance Survey Explorer Map: OS 245 – take a trip to Foremark Reservoir and its 230-acre nature reserve – explore Heath Wood the only known Viking Cremation Cemetery found in England.
Where to eat? – The John Thompson is the only place in nearby Ingleby that serves refreshments. Please ring 01332 862469 for further details or visit the website: www.johnthompsoninn.com. The Swan is the only public house in Milton. For further information contact e.oliver@theswanmilton.co.uk or telephone 01283 704072.
Other places to visit – Ferrers Centre for Arts and Crafts, located in the Georgian Stable Block of Staunton Harold Hall, where a wide range of goods can be obtained – discover Calke Abbey, hidden away in a hollow, about one mile from its Ticknall entrance. The park is a popular place with walkers and wildlife enthusiasts. It is in the hands of the National Trust – Elvaston Castle Country Park (Tel. 01332 571342) was the first Country Park to be opened in Britain. Set on 200 acres of parkland with an ornamental lake, extensive gardens, stony grottoes, rock archways and many other interesting features.
PROFILE
Tucked away out of sight of the Swarkestone to Repton Road is Foremark and Foremarke Hall. It is situated in the heart of the National Forest and Foremark is home to lots of waymarked footpaths, which follow scenic routes through woodlands and attractive open countryside. The name of the settlement is usually spelled without the second ‘e’ but this is not obligatory. However, Foremarke Hall is always spelt with two ‘e’s. The view of the hall and the ornamental lake are much admired by visitors and walkers.
FOREMARKE HALL
The hall is a Palladian mansion which was built for the Burdett family in 1759/61 on the site of an earlier house. During World War I, it was taken over by the British army as a military hospital. World War II saw it being used as an Officer Cadet Training Unit. The military identification plate nailed to one of the pillars of the front entrance is still present. The army left in 1946 and the following year Repton School moved in and rented the building from the Church Commissioners. In 1967, the school purchased the freehold of the current campus together with 40 acres of land and three cottages. It acts as a preparatory school for boys and girls from nearby Repton School.
ANCHOR CHURCH
Anchor Church, set in a sandstone crag on the banks of the River Trent a short distance to the north of Foremark. It is a fascinating place, partly natural and partly enlarged by man. The cave was used by Sir Frances Burdett of nearby Foremarke Hall who extended it and fitted a door so that during the summer he could hold picnics there for his guests. It is now a popular spot for walkers. A new study indicates the cave is likely to be early Medieval and from the 9th century rather than from the 18th century as originally thought. This makes the cave the oldest intact domestic interior in the UK, which may well have been lived in by a king who later became a saint.
HEATH WOOD
To the east of Foremark is Heath Wood, where the only known Viking Cremation Cemetery in England is to be found. Sixty burial mounds have revealed cremated human remains, fragments of pottery, nails, swords and other objects probably buried in the late 9th century.
ST SAVIOUR’S CHURCH
In 1662, Sir Francis Burdett built St Saviour’s Church on the estate at Foremarke, and many residents regard it as their local parish church. It was one of the first churches to be built in England after the Restoration of the Monarchy and the lifting of the ban on church building. The church was built to serve Foremarke and Ingleby and it is certainly worth a short diversion to take a closer look.
FOREMARK RESERVOIR AND NATURE RESERVE
Nestled in beautiful rolling South Derbyshire countryside is Foremark, a 280-acre nature reserve with woodland walks, grass heathland and open water. Owned by Severn Trent and cared for in partnership with the National Trust, the reservoir forms an important part of Severn Trent’s water supply network. It is home to a rich diversity of wildlife and includes Carver’s Rocks, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The views across the reservoir are particularly attractive and the walks along the water’s edge enable visitors to enjoy the superb scenery. There is a charge for parking but not for National Trust members.
