Rufford Abbey and its 19th Century ‘Savile’ Custodians

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Tuesday 21 October 2025 ​​​​​​I 7pm
Arnold Methodist Church

Tickets: £1 members, £3 non members

Until the early 20th century, Rufford Abbey served as the central hub of an extensive aristocratic estate that spanned over 18,000 acres. This impressive estate encompassed thirteen villages and included 128 cottages, as well as several farms which were managed directly by the estate or leased out to tenants.

The estate also featured hop yards, expansive woodlands, and a brickyard, reflecting its significant economic and agricultural influence in the region.  Sadly, the grandeur of Rufford Abbey came to an end in 1956 when the building was demolished. The Abbey is situated amidst the remnants of Sherwood Forest, just two miles south of Ollerton in Nottinghamshire, a location steeped in legend and history. 

The origins of Rufford Abbey can be traced as far back as the 12th century, when it formed part of a Cistercian Abbey and estate. Following the dissolution of the monasteries, the site underwent a significant transformation, gradually evolving into a grand country house. Over the centuries, it became associated with the Savile family, whose legacy continues to capture the interest of historians and visitors alike.

Today, the remaining structure of Rufford Abbey is predominantly Jacobean in style, featuring ornate steps, a decorative porch, and Anthony Salvin’s distinctive clock tower cupola.  In 1998, this wing was renovated to serve as office accommodation for Nottinghamshire County Council, while the Victorian kitchen was repurposed as the Savile Restaurant. Additionally, the Grade II listed stables had previously been converted into a craft centre, now home to various gift and craft shops. 

Despite the loss of much of the original building, Rufford Abbey endures as a ‘managed ruin’, offering a valuable resource for researchers interested in the history of country houses. The site continues to attract numerous visitors, who come to appreciate its remarkable heritage and surviving architectural features. All are invited to hear Karen’s captivating account of this once magnificent country house and its connections to the ‘Savile’ family.