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View:
West, on the other side of the valley is Throwley Hall, the settlement dating
from the Thirteenth century. There is an abundance of evidence about Throwley’s
past. It seems that at some time it had 2 deer parks and 100m above the river
a fish pond dug into an area of water bearing rock, fed by drainage from the
fields above.
 Lead
Rakes and Barrow: Over the wall in Lamber Close is a lumpy ridge near the
top wall. This is where ancient settlers raked lead out of the ground and smelted
it near by. Beyond the rakes is another barrow, this one is damaged, having
been excavated in 1849 by Carrington. Bateman writes of a mound where stone
had been removed. The stone is said to have covered an oval rock cut grave containing
‘a large skeleton lying at the bottom, on its left side, in the usual contracted
posture’ near the shoulders lay a shale button.
 Gateway
to Lamber Meadow: Notice the different walling stone. Here the farm lies
on dolomitised limestone. This is formed when the calcium in the limestone is
replaced by magnesium, leaving holes in the rock. The stones are large rounded
boulders.
 View:
The Manifold Valley stretches East and West. Opposite are two farms, the Easterly
one is Musden Grange and the other is Rushley Farm. Way above Musden Grange,
almost hidden in trees is a beautiful but deserted farmstead called Upper Musden.
It was built in the 1800s, a 3 storey house and wonderful square yard with huge
traditional buildings. It has no electricity or water and no road to get there.
Celtic
Fields: To the North the ridges and banks which form a series of small terraces
appear to be the remains of ‘Celtic’ fields.
 Wildflowers:
In April and May this area of unimproved pasture is awash with bright purple
orchids set against a background dusted with tiny daisies.
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