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Note that you will see images in the virtual map that enlarge by clicking on them. But Google no longer permit the provided URLs to link
Members of No.1 Section, 131st Machine Gun Company, receiving training on the Vickers machine gun at Belton Park Camp, Grantham, Lincolnshire in 1915. © IWM. Location is Belton Park Golf Course, visible are the park wall & golf bunkers.
Please note that part of the former military camp is now a deer sanctuary. That part can be viewed from the fence line in Belton Park or on the Woodland Trust, Londonthorpe Wood site. Belton Park entry is free from the Lion Gates, but parking is limited. Entry into any other area at Belton, bar the Park, requires paid entry or National Trust membership - check the website! The Bellmount Tower part remains open with a free car park and entry. The map will give an atmospheric walk through a WW1 landscape. Quick link to map.
Please note that part of the former military camp is now a deer sanctuary. That part can be viewed from the fence line in Belton Park or on the Woodland Trust, Londonthorpe Wood site. Belton Park entry is free from the Lion Gates, but parking is limited. Entry into any other area at Belton, bar the Park, requires paid entry or National Trust membership - check the website! The Bellmount Tower part remains open with a free car park and entry. The map will give an atmospheric walk through a WW1 landscape. Quick link to map.
In August 1914, at the onset of the Great War (WWI), the 3rd Earl Brownlow loaned Belton Park to Lord Kitchener as a training camp for the 11th (Northern) Division. The park hosted 13,000 volunteer soldiers initially in bell tents and later in purpose built huts. In June 1915, the Division received orders to sail to Gallipoli.
In August 1914, at the onset of the Great War (WWI), the 3rd Earl Brownlow loaned Belton Park to Lord Kitchener as a training camp for the 11th (Northern) Division. The park hosted 13,000 volunteer soldiers initially in bell tents and later in purpose built huts. In June 1915, the Division received orders to sail to Gallipoli.
The Machine Gun Corps took over the camp from October 1915. After the Corps transferred to Seaford, Sussex in August 1919 the Ministry of Munitions began auctioning off the entire military infrastructure. Belton returned to its original state, a peaceful deer park.
The Machine Gun Corps took over the camp from October 1915. After the Corps transferred to Seaford, Sussex in August 1919 the Ministry of Munitions began auctioning off the entire military infrastructure. Belton returned to its original state, a peaceful deer park.
This website provides a walk identifying WWI features of historical and archaeological interest in Belton Park, the first Kitchener Camp, a template for subsequent camps.
This website provides a walk identifying WWI features of historical and archaeological interest in Belton Park, the first Kitchener Camp, a template for subsequent camps.
It also offers overlays of the site's only known contemporaneous military maps and details of the military railway that ran through the Park.
It also offers overlays of the site's only known contemporaneous military maps and details of the military railway that ran through the Park.
A WWI re-enactment 2015
You can either do a virtual walk or use a smartphone to guide you on the real 'route march'. The real walk covers areas of the camp that are accessible on National Trust owned land; there are no public rights of way. The last Sunday of the month has a walk to & up Bellmount Tower, bookable via the Woodland Trust walks web site.
You can either do a virtual walk or use a smartphone to guide you on the real 'route march'. The real walk covers areas of the camp that are accessible on National Trust owned land; there are no public rights of way. The last Sunday of the month has a walk to & up Bellmount Tower, bookable via the Woodland Trust walks web site.
Cumberworth 1918: The New Zealand MGC lines at Bellmount Tower. Covered reservoirs foreground. Huts with a brown-coloured latrine background @ArchivesNZ. You can visit this area on the Belmount Tower part of the route march.
The Belmount Tower part of the walk has free access with its own free car park. You cannot reach that area by foot from the main park due to a deer fence.
The Belmount Tower part of the walk has free access with its own free car park. You cannot reach that area by foot from the main park due to a deer fence.
Always keep your dog on a lead. Avoid disturbing the deer herds, sheep and cattle. Moles & rabbits may bring to the surface dangerous asbestos fragments used to insulate the huts. Do not enter Belton Park Golf Course. Do have a really interesting walk!
Always keep your dog on a lead. Avoid disturbing the deer herds, sheep and cattle. Moles & rabbits may bring to the surface dangerous asbestos fragments used to insulate the huts. Do not enter Belton Park Golf Course. Do have a really interesting walk!
For those interested in knowing about Belton Park in WWII then visit our web site on the formation of the RAF Regiment.
For those interested in knowing about Belton Park in WWII then visit our web site on the formation of the RAF Regiment.
A Company 200 Battalion MGC at Belton Park August 1918
C Company 200 Battalion MGC on a warm sunny day in August 1918 at Belton
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