Anti-tank shell discovered at Rufford Abbey Country Park

Turf was being removed as part of work to reduce soil compaction when the shell was discovered.

Councillor John Cottee, communities and place committee chairman at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “Rufford Abbey has a fascinating history and has witnessed so many different periods of English history from medieval and Elizabethan times, through the war years to today’s country park which attracts well over 350,000 visitors each year.

During the First World War Rufford made rough-cut wooden coffins for the dead.

The estate, house and contents were eventually taken over by the Army in 1939 during the Second World War and the Leicestershire Yeomanry, 6th Cavalry Brigade were stationed there, arriving as horse-mounted troops, and leaving as motorised artillery.

About 20 army huts were constructed and these later housed Italian prisoners of war.

Wartime damage, coal mining subsidence and neglect left the Abbey and its grounds in a sorry state.

In 1957 Nottinghamshire County Council bought the house and the remains of its gardens, later opening them as a country park.

Now managed by Parkwood Outdoors on the council’s behalf, the park boasts adventure golf, boating, craft courses and children’s trails.

Councillor Cottee added: “The park’s rich natural and historical features rival the very best in the country and are complemented by areas where visitors can just relax and have fun, including the newly extended play area – it’s one of Nottinghamshire’s favourite attractions and we intend to preserve it for many generations to come.”

Rufford at War, living history weekend is on 28th and 29th September this year.