The English Pope, Adrian IV gave his blessing for the abbey in 1156 and following this the abbey's lands expanded and the villagers of Cratley, Rufford, Grimston and Inkersall were evicted.
On 15 May 1845, he married Maria Harriett Hesketh, daughter of Sir Thomas Hesketh, 4th Baronet in Rufford, Lancashire.
Rufford, Nottinghamshire | Rufford | Rufford, Lancashire | Rufford Abbey |
Subsequent leases were secured from Earl Manvers and Lord Savile allowing further mine works to be established at Rufford, Clipstone and Thoresby in Nottinghamshire where coal was reached 1913, 1922 and 1928 respectively.
He succeeded his father in 1588, inheriting Martholme, the mediaeval Manor House near Great Harwood, as well as other property at Rufford, Holmes and Holmeswood.
Percy Grainger also transcribed "Rufford Park Poachers" in the third movement of his suite, "Lincolnshire Posy."