Whittle Dene Wood is an ancient semi-natural oak-ash woodland. The north is characterised by mixed broadleaves and conifers, to the south the woodland is more varied with a coppice of hazel, something that the Woodland Trust are keen to continue. At the southern end of the wood - where you are headed - are the remains of a mill pond, a well, weir structures and associated derelict mill buildings from an old water driven corn mill. The millpond has been colonised with willow, alder and opposite-leaved golden saxifrage. At the time of setting this cache, the golden saxifrage is a yellow carpet of colour and very striking.
The well in the picture was called Eddybroth well, but I haven’t yet been able to find out why – I suspect it’s something to do with the patterns of tide, but any further history would be most appreciated.
The wood supports a diverse bird life including kingfisher, dipper and great spotted woodpecker. You may also encounter deer and the native red squirrel.
Towards the northern end of the wood (across the A69) are the ruins of Nafferton Castle built by Philip de Ulecote, a royal Forester.
The Lord of Prudhoe, Richard de Umfreville, objected to having a fortification built which overlooked his castle at Prudhoe and discovered that Philip had not obtained a licence from the King to build the tower. He appealed to Hugh de Burgh who ruled the kingdom for the young Henry III and in 1218, Philip was ordered to demolish the wooden tower…clearly planning permission has always been an issue!
In 1221 the tower, which was still standing, was ordered by the King to be dismantled and its timbers were removed to build a new gaol at Newcastle. At some time, the building was known as Lonkin’s Hall and was lived in by Long Lankin.
Lankin was involved in a dispute with Lord Wearie of nearby Welton Hall and while the Lord was visiting London, he conspired with his nurse to enter and rob Welton Hall and murder his wife and child. Rather than be captured, Lankin hanged himself from an oak tree near Whittle Dene – looking at the maps from 1854, there is a place slightly to the east of the dene called Gallow’s Hill which seems to be a likely spot. The nurse was burned at the stake for her part in this deadly deed.
There are many public footpaths leading to the wood. Parking may be tricky, so you may want to use the spot we used which may also give you the chance to experience the yellow brick road:
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