Fight to save crumbling manor house that was once prison for a queen

DRONE FOOTAGE CAPTURES STATE OF LISTED BUILDING

- By CHARLIE FENTON

DRAMATIC new pictures show the decaying ruins of a historic manor house which once held Mary, Queen of Scots, prisoner.

Drone images taken from above have captured the fragile state of Wingfield Manor, near Alfreton, a Grade I-listed building and previously an opulent home for the super wealthy.

Records suggest the grand house was built during the 1440s for the wealthy Ralph, Lord Cromwell, Treasurer of England - although it is believed to have been occupied since the 12th century.

Lord Cromwell who was born in Lambley, fought in the Hundred Years' War and also held a number of important government positions.

These included being a member of the council that advised Henry VI before he came of age.