Description:
This view was taken from Old Clifton Bridge, with the River Trent on the left and Clifton Grove.
The farm was also known as 'The Prince of Wales Farm' as it was allegedly bought by Edward, Prince of Wales (who later became King Edward VIII) in 1927 to facilitate his affair with the married daughter of a Nottingham lace magnate. They had met whilst he was attending a Valentines Ball in London, when outside the air raid warning sounded, warning of the danger of a German Zeppelin raid. Passing by, Freda Ward (ne Birkin) took shelter at the dance, and ended up dancing the night away with the Prince.
This was to be the start of a 'romance' that lasted until about 1933. Although starting slowly the liaison gathered intensity and while known to officialdom the facts were kept from the public at large, who were informed that the Prince had purchased the farm to extend his agricultural base and for foxhunting.
It is interesting to note that when purchasing the farm the Prince was accompanied by Charles Birkin, father of Freda who lived close by. It has not been established if the King knew of the events in Nottingham but it was reported that he had asked the Prince to give up his 'Nottingham pursuits' (publicly said to be hunting) and in return to use Fort Belvedere as a residence within the grounds of Windsor Park. This he eventually did but his affair with Freda continued, she being responsible for much of the refurbishment at Fort Belvedere.
However, the liaison gradually waned. Freda of course, was only one of a number of ladies that the Prince 'spent time' with and eventually one - Mrs Wallis Simpson stole his heart, causing Edward to abdicate his crown.
The farm at Lenton was sold in 1933 passing through the hands of George Shelton, John William Burnett and his wife Nellie, then to their son Colin Burnett and thus in 1960 to Nottingham University where it became part of their sports facilities.
Information extracted from the web site of John H Burnett.