White's Directory of Nottinghamshire, 1853

Colwick

Colwickis a small pleasant village, under a long range of hills on the north bank of the Trent, nearly three miles east of Nottingham, containing 120 inhabitants and 1,235 acres of land, belonging to John C. Musters Esq., a minor, of Colwick Hall, whose ancestor obtained the manor from the Byron family in the early part of the seventeenth century.

The Hall stands about half a mile west of the village on the borders of the Trent. The steep rocks at its rear, rising in abrupt precipices, and finely tufted with overhanging woods, have a very picturesque appearance, and throws a pleasing shade over the rest of the park, which is stocked with deer. The pleasure grounds and ornamental plantations exhibit a fine specimen of modern improvement, engrafted on the ancient model. The scenery is happily diversified, and altogether forms a pleasing and most delightful residence. The house consists of an elegant centre, crowned with a pediment, resting on four well proportioned Ionic pillars, and joined by two wings of one lofty storey with an entablature, supported by square pilasters, with plain capitols, and lightened much in its effect by a handsome ballustraded parapet. It was built in 1776 by Mr Stretton of Nottingham, from an architectural design of Mr Carr of York, and was originally enclosed with a deep moat, and had a draw bridge on the north side of the hall.

Colwick Hall, as has been seen, suffered considerably from a daring attack of the Nottingham reform rioters in 1831, and the fear and dismay which this assault brought upon the family is supposed to have hastened the death of the late Mrs Musters, who was the sole heiress of the ancient and wealthy family of Chaworth.

The church, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, stands close to the hall, embosomed in foliage, and contains some ancient monuments of the Byrons and the Musters. It appears by a monument on the north side of the chancel, that it was repaired and beautified, and the chancel rebuilt, by Sir John Musters in 1684. A handsome monument has been erecyed to Sophia Catherine Musters, who died in 1819. She painted the large window at the east end of the chancel, which is so justly admired for its sublimity and grandeur.

The rectory, valued in the King's books at £6 1s 0½d, now at £220, is in the gift of John C. Musters Esq. (a minor), and is now enjoyed by the Rev. William Musters, who has 22 acres of glebe, with the rectory house and garden. The parish participates in the benefit of the free school at West Bridgford.

[Transcribed by Clive Henly]