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Brooksby Hall in landlocked Leicestershire is now an agricultural and horticultural college, but was formerly the home of Earl Beatty, the Admiral of the Fleet who had defended the east coast of Britain from enemy bombardment.

He distinguished himself at the Battle of Jutland and masterminded the country’s anti-submarine strategy and developed naval convoy systems to ensure that vital supply routes were kept open.

Back in Leicestershire, his wife Lady Beatty ran a naval convalescent hospital at the house, caring for the men who served under her husband.

There’s still a reminder of the naval connection at present day Brooksby – a sea mine, which Admiral Beatty used to fire at, and a memorial at the village church next door which houses a large memorial to those killed a the Battle of Jutland in 1916.

Location: Brooksby Hall, Leicestershire LE14 2LJ
Image shows David Beatty, 1st Earl Beatty (1871-1936)
Photograph courtesy of Getty Images
Presented by Bridget Blair