16/09/2026
✨Weekly blog post round-up!✨
9th September - 1526 Middleton Accounts - Sir Henry Willoughby sends one of his servants on a proxy pilgrimage to Garendon Abbey. This post delves a bit into the history of Garendon Abbey. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/the-middleton-accounts-of-1526-51
10th September - 1526 Middleton Accounts - Sir Henry Willoughby & Thomas Grey 2nd Marquess of Dorset & their retinues have left Middleton Hall, spending the previous night at Polesworth Abbey and are on their way to Bradgate Park. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/the-middleton-accounts-of-1526-52
11th September - Heritage Open Days: Everyday Histories #1 - This post focuses on Mrs Key, gardener of Middleton Hall in the early 16th century and what that role could involve. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/heritage-open-days-everyday-histories-1-mrs-key-gardener-of-middleton-hall
12th September - Heritage Open Days: Everyday Histories #2 - This post focuses on John Hall, steward of Middleton Hall in the mid-16th century and what his role involved in a very turbulent time. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/heritage-open-days-everyday-histories-2-john-hall-steward-of-middleton-hall
12th September - 1526 Middleton Accounts - Sir Henry Willoughby leaves Bradgate Park and travels with his retinue to Wollaton Hall. However, Sir Henry forgot a gift so one of the Grey family's servants arrives at Wollaton with it. Sir Henry also sends one of his servants on pilgrimage to St Ann's Well in Buxton. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/the-middleton-accounts-of-1526-53
13th September - Heritage Open Days: Everyday Histories #3 - This post focuses on John Trussell, bailiff of Wollaton Hall at the same time as John Hall was steward of Middleton, providing an interesting comparison. Additionally includes information on his son Henry, also a servant of the Willoughby family. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/heritage-open-days-everyday-histories-3-john-trussell-bailiff-of-wollaton-hall
14th September - Heritage Open Days: Everyday Histories #4 - This post focuses on Thomas Woodshaw, caterer and haymaker at Middleton Hall and also includes a brief overview of some other Woodshaws at Middleton from 1485-1922, most of whom were involved in food production related activities on the Estate. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/heritage-open-days-everyday-histories-4-thomas-woodshaw-caterer-of-middleton-hall
15th September - Heritage Open Days: Everyday Histories #5 - This post focuses on John Ray, specifically his role as a parson-academic and the nature of a life in that type of occupation in his era. - https://www.middleton-hall.co.uk/post/heritage-open-days-everyday-histories-5-john-ray-parson-academic
Let us know which one was your favourite.
When the occupation of “caterer” is stated today, it is common to think of a person or company that has been hired to provide and serve food. However, this meaning of this occupation only developed in the 19th century. In the historic meaning, which dates from at least the 15th century, it refer...
