There were
miles of weird passages beneath the surface of the earth, one tunnel
alone being nearly a mile and a half in length, stretching towards
Worksop, while others ran in various directions.
Welbeck is nearly 4 miles from Worksop, and a stranger on approaching
the Abbey is likely to receive a mean impression of its vast extent. The
architecture is a mixture of the Italian and classical styles, and its
having been built at different periods, with so many of its adjuncts
underground, makes it wanting in imposing features.
In various parts of the estate about 50 lodges were erected for the
occupancy of gardeners and keepers. They were of Steetley stone, all
similarly planned and pleasing to the eye, what there was of them above
ground; but the Duke had subterranean kitchens made at the side and
lighted them with bulls'-eyes at the top.
He spent about 100,000l. a year in the development of his plans, and
employed as many as 1,500 workpeople in helping him to gratify his
hobby. When it is remembered that his reign as Duke lasted a quarter of
a century, from 1854 to 1879, it will be seen that artisans of all
descriptions found Welbeck a veritable gold-mine.
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