Help Ride the Crest to Wingfield
Can you help us to save the North Midland Railway (NMR) crest and relocate it to Wingfield to be enjoyed by visitors?
We have some exciting rewards to thank our kind supporters.
Please read on and help if you can!
(The crest at the Old Hall, Littleover)
Wingfield Station
Wingfield station and the adjacent goods shed have been rescued from dereliction by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) with the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England and other funders and sponsors.
Wingfield, near Alfreton, is a rare surviving example of a very early rural railway station - one of the earliest in the world.
The Grade II* listed station is unique in being the only original station along the Derby to Leeds line to survive.
North Midland Railway - 'Tri Junct Crest'
When Derby Railway Station was rebuilt in 1892 by Charles Trubshaw the crest that stood atop of the building (see print below) was made redundant.
It was taken to the Old Hall in Littleover, Derby, where it has resided ever since.
(Image: Courtesy of The Trustees of The British Museum)
Why do we need your help?
The recent purchaser of the Old Hall and grounds is now developing the site, so the crest, which includes elements from the coats of arms of Derby (deer), Sheffield (eight arrows), and Leeds (golden fleece and stars), needs to find a new home or face being lost forever. Due to its size, viable options are very limited!
The developer, Ivy Grove Homes, has kindly offered to donate this highly significant artefact to the DHBT, so that it can be saved and admired once more.
Help the tri-junct crest come back on-line for public display
However, the crest, which measures 3m x 3m needs taking apart, heavy lifting gear for transportation to South Wingfield, conserving and re-assembling.
The logistics of moving such an unwieldy, yet vulnerable, object should not be underestimated!
Whilst the crest will be alien to the setting of the station, we are intending to position it away from the building to form part of our public heritage interpretation (see diagram below - 'armorial arms interpretation', bottom left).
It will then sit within the context of the only surviving station on the Derby to Leeds line.
Both Derby Station and Wingfield were designed by the prominent railway architect, Francis Thompson.
Further details about our Crowdfunder
- The restoration of Wingfield is well on the way towards a successful conclusion - building work is expected to complete in October 2023. There will then be a public opening period, prior to the station being let as office space. The station will then be open to all for a set number of days each year. The external heritage interpretation, including the crest, will be accessible to everyone at all times.
- The goods shed will house a station visitor centre. Opening in April 2024, the centre will feature a working scale model of Wingfield station set in 1947.
- The stonemason that will be working with us to relocate the crest is happy to share his knowledge and expertise as a training opportunity. We hope to produce a short film about this and involve construction trainees.
- Our target fundraising figure is based on a contractor quotation. If the project costs less than expected, or if we exceed our target, all additional funds will go towards the wider project at Wingfield (the DHBT still need to raise an additional £50,000).
- As a thank you for your support, we have a range of donation rewards.
- Please ensure you 'select a reward' before you donate, otherwise no reward option will be registered.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I find out more about DHBT and Wingfield Station? For more information please visit our website. You can also view our Wingfield playlist on YouTube.
- What will my donation be used for? Every penny of your donation will go towards the relocation of the crest. If we exceed our target, or the exercise costs less than expected, your donation will support the restoration of Wingfield.
- When will I receive my reward? All rewards will be dispatched, digitally or via post, as soon as possible after the Crowdfunder closes. We estimate this will be mid-October/early November 2023. Thank you for your patience.
- What happens if you don't reach your target? This is a 'Keep What You Raise' campaign, meaning we will receive your kind donation, even if we do not reach our target.
- How can I get in touch? If your question is not answered here, please get in touch with Lucy at [email protected].
About the rewards (please click 'rewards' above to make your selection on a mobile)
(Images of travel mugs and cotton bag to follow.)
(The Wingfield Station logo which will be on the bag, travel mug and tile)
(Exclusive Wingfield badge)
Small Prints
(Wingfield in the Snow - Paul Barsby, December 2019)
(Samuel Russell lithograph of Wingfield Station c.1840)
Limited edition John Parker prints
(Shimmer Pool' - John Parker)
('The Warrior & Amazon' - John Parker)
('The Angel of Fame' - John Parker)
Derbyshire Food and Drink eGift Vouchers
Located at the historic Pikehall Farm in the Peak District, Hartington Creamery is one of the few remaining cheese producers in Derbyshire. All their award winning cheese is produced on site, handmade and graded by their experts. From traditional Blue Stilton and 'Devonshire Gold' Blue cheese,to Smoked Tomato & Garlic or 'Hartington Hottie' Chilli Cheese, they have something to suit all tastes. You will be sent a £35 E Gift Card via email.
What a treat, a leisurely afternoon tea for two at Morley Hayes, including a variety of delicious sandwiches, cakes and scones. Served *Thursday to Saturday* between 2pm and 4pm. * with the exception of Christmas. You will be emailed your gift card.
Established in 2016, the White Peak Distillery produces small batch spirits that are inspired by their location on the bank of the River Derwent in Ambergate. Making Wire Works Whisky, Shining Cliff Gin and Derbyshire Cask Aged Rum, their Still House is located in the former Victorian maintenance sheds of the Johnson & Nephew Wireworks on the edge of Shining Cliff Woods. Your e-voucher will be emailed to you and it can be redeemed on-line or in store.
Station bollard sponsorship
Sponsor one of our unique station bollards, which will be positioned on the area outside the station and represent each of the 16 original stations on the Derby to Leeds line. Please see the 'rewards' for the stations that are currently available and we'll then be in touch regarding the acknowledgement you'd like to feature on the bollard as a thank you for supporting the project.
A Limited edition handmade Wingfield tile produced by Royce Wood Studio
We were delighted when Peter from Royce Wood Studio offered to create some unique Wingfield tiles. Royce Wood Studio creates ceramic wall art and handmade tiles. They are based just down the road at The Wheelhouse, Amber Mill, Toadhill Furnace. www.roycewoodstudio.com @roycewoodstudio
Image shown is indicative of what the final tile will look like - we will update once we have a completed product. If you would prefer a tile featuring the wallpaper design from the ladies' waiting room (please see image below), please select this option and if we get a minimum order, we'll get these made!
Decorative Profiled Eaves Brackets from Wingfield Station
Decorative profiled eaves brackets from Wingfield Station designed by the famous railway architect Francis Thompson in 1839. Each one has (or had in the case of the ones very badly affected by rot) a unique number in Roman numerals carved into the hidden face by the master carpenter who made them - in exactly the same tradition followed by medieval carpenters and masons.
Please note that these are in varying condition. They will have to be collected in person from Wingfield Station (date etc to be arranged with Lucy - [email protected]) and choice will be on a first pledge, first serve basis!
Wingfield Cotton Bag
Wingfield Travel Mug