Wedgnock Park

1 Wedgnock is one of three parks attached to the Castle of Warwick, which are marked on maps of Saxton and Speed. John Rous, who died in 1491, states that the park was begun to be imparked by Henry de Newburgh, Earl of Warwick, at the opening of the 12th century, in imitation of the park at Woodstock (Oxon). The park is recorded again at the time of Henry III (1216-72) and 1316. At the time of Edward I (1272-1307) the park contained 20 acres and it was enlarged during Edward III’s reign (1327-77). Source contains historical notes.
2 Wedgnock Park is shown on Saxton’s map of Warwickshire (1576) as extending N of and including Goodrest Lodge. 1961: The park boundary could not be found. Its S boundary could have followed the parish boundary from SP2767 to SP2667, but there is no trace of a former park boundary.
3 In 1845, at the time of the tithe communication, it was held to contain 2831 acres. Only 42 acres were then in use as a deer park. In shape it was an irregular diamond, about four miles by one and three quarters, extending from the canal bridge on the Birmingham Road N to Fernhill, and from Catchems End on the SW to Goodrest Farm at the NE. A detailed history of the park is given.
4 Map of the Park.
5 The park still existed in 1867, though greatly reduced in size, containing 45 acres, with 70 fallow-deer.
6 Copy of the VCH map.
7 See also MWA12985 for details of the post-medieval parkland.