Merevale

Merevale Abbey & Church
Robert, Earl Ferrers, founded Merevale Abbey in 1148; he gave to it ‘all my forest of Arden’. Because of the remoteness of their sites, the Cistercian rule specifically required the provision of a Chapel outside the Gate of their Abbeys for visitors, servants etc. The ruins of the Abbey are situated in the grounds of Abbey Farm.

Merevale Hall
The construction of Merevale Hall was compete around 1840, replacing a former manor house. The building was designed by architect Edward Blore. The Hall was placed on the end of the a thin peninsular high above Atherstone and loomed over the town. The building makes for an imposing and impressive sight when viewed from below and afair. Simply it has a spooky, even scary look about it.

Merevale Park
Merevale Park is the official name for the grounds and area that surround Merevale Hall.

Sir William Dugdale
Sir William Dugdale (September 12, 1605 – February 10, 1686) was an English antiquary.He was born at Shustoke, near Coleshill, Warwickshire, of an old Lancashire family, and he was educated at King Henry VIII School, Coventry. Please note, this is not the Dugdale who was responsible for the building of Merevale Hall and Park. Sir William Dugdale though is the most famous of the Dugdales in his own right.

Edward Blore
Edward Blore (1787 - 1879) was a 19th century British architect and antiquary. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Some sources claim he was originally from Derby, England.) He was the architect who designed Merevale Hall, near Atherstone, North Warwickshire.