The tiny picturesque Nottinghamshire village tied to Lord Byron's tragic love and TV's Most Haunted

Editor

Published 19th May 2025, 12:24 BST

Annesley, a hidden gem in Nottinghamshire, is not only a picturesque village but also steeped in literary and historical significance, with ties to Lord Byron and ghostly tales documented by 'Most Haunted'.

We’re taking a closer look at the beautiful village of Annesley - one of Nottinghamshire’s hidden gems steeped in history.

Annesley Hall: Nottinghamshire’s overlooked treasure

Tucked behind trees in the quiet village of Annesley stands the skeletal remains of Annesley Hall - once a grand manor, now a ghost of its former self.

Dating back to the 13th century, the hall was home to some of Nottinghamshire’s most influential families, most notably the Chaworth-Musters, who held it until 1972.

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After centuries of prominence, the decline came quickly. A sale to the Football Association in the 1970s, then to developers, marked the end of its private legacy.

English Heritage have listed the building on the 'Buildings at Risk Register' as high vulnerability and deteriorating.

placeholder image — English Heritage have listed the building on the 'Buildings at Risk Register' as high vulnerability and deteriorating.

Fires in 1997 and 2015 tore through the mansion, gutting much of the upper floors and leaving it in ruin.

By 2004, it had become infamous after an appearance on Most Haunted, where tales of ghostly whispers and tragic histories captured the public imagination.

Twice ravaged by fire, Annesley Hall is a pale shadow of its former self as the home of Lord Byron's lover, Mary Chaworth. But with a history of witchcraft, murder and suicide, it remains one of the most haunted sites in the UK, especially as victims of the bubonic plague (or 'Black Death') in the 14th century were buried in the grounds.

placeholder image — Twice ravaged by fire, Annesley Hall is a pale shadow of its former self as the home of Lord Byron's lover, Mary Chaworth. But with a history of witchcraft, murder and suicide, it remains one of the most haunted sites in the UK, especially as victims of the bubonic plague (or 'Black Death') in the 14th century were buried in the grounds.

Listed as "high vulnerability and deteriorating" by English Heritage, Annesley Hall has long teetered on the edge of total loss. But in 2024, a glimmer of hope appeared - new photos suggest restoration may be starting, with a new roof slowly taking shape.

Now privately owned and closed to the public, Annesley Hall stands as a silent sentinel over the village. Crumbling, yet defiant. A chapter of history not yet finished.

What about the village of Annesley?

Nestled between Hucknall and Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Annesley is more than just a name on a map—it’s one of Nottinghamshire’s best-kept secrets. With deep roots in coal mining, romantic lore, and literary history, this small village offers more than meets the eye.

Annesley Hall was home to the Chaworth-Musters family for hundreds of years — Annesley Hall was home to the Chaworth-Musters family for hundreds of years | Enchufla Con Clave

placeholder image — Annesley Hall was home to the Chaworth-Musters family for hundreds of years | Enchufla Con Clave

Lord Byron himself was enchanted by Annesley. His ill-fated love for Mary Chaworth, who lived at nearby Annesley Hall, inspired his poetry - including The Dream and Hills of Annesley. That literary connection still lingers in the air.

Much of the roof was destroyed by a fire in 2015 — Much of the roof was destroyed by a fire in 2015 | Enchufla Con Clave

placeholder image — Much of the roof was destroyed by a fire in 2015 | Enchufla Con Clave

Beyond the romance and ruins, Annesley boasts well-preserved 19th-century miners' cottages and a location that’s hard to beat. It’s minutes from the M1, close to Newstead train station, and well-connected to Mansfield, Sutton, Kirkby, and Hucknall.

Despite all this, Annesley remains strangely off the radar for many house-hunters.

Maybe that’s part of its charm. It’s a place where history runs deep, and life moves quietly. A village with stories in its stones—and just enough mystery to keep you looking twice.

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