The Haggs Farm Preservation Society

D H Lawrence found in Haggs Farm, Underwood, Nottinghamshire, and the people who lived there, and in its surrounding countryside, his "first incentive to write".

The farm and the Chambers family who lived there at the turn of the century provided the models for Miriam's farm and family in Lawrence's novel "Sons and Lovers", and inspired his first novel "The White Peacock", as well as many of his poems and short stories.

Lawrence grew up in Eastwood, and during the years 1901 - 1908 he walked the two miles to see the Chambers family so often that he became "one of the family", and years later he still referred to the area around Haggs Farm as "the country of my heart".

Haggs Farm is privately owned, has no public right of access, and has been uninhabited for 30 years. Despite being a Grade 2 Listed Building since 1966, the barn attached to the farm-house has fallen down and the house is in a serious state of disrepair.

• to draw attention to the condition of the farm buildings and their importance and interest to scholars worldwide
• to forge links with local authorities, and the owner, to secure an appropriate plan for the farm's future
• to attract members who share our concern, and who would like to be able to visit Haggs Farm to appreciate how the Chambers family, the farm and the surrounding countryside combined to give Lawrence what he described as his "first incentive to write".
• to research and record the history of Haggs Farm, its buildings, ownership and tenants.

Membership is open to all: Individuals - £3.50, Family - £4.50, Corporate - £4.50, Overseas - £7.00, Students/OAPs/Unwaged - £2.00

For more details, write to Mrs A. Howard, 136 Parkside, Nottingham, NG8 2NP