The Eagle Pond owes its name to the brass eagle lectern that is said to have been thrown into it by the canons when the Priory was dissolved in 1539, and to have been recovered from the water together with two brass candlesticks, c mid C18. Legend records that two large and heavy chests were also seen, but not recovered. The eagle was sold by the 5th Lord Byron to Sir Richard Kaye who records the purchase in a letter, 12/12/1775. It was given to Southwell Minster in 1805 and, with the candlesticks may be seen there to this day. Tradition relates that some of the Priory deeds still preserved at Newstead Abbey were found stuffed inside the hollow ball on which it stands but this is doubtful. (1)
(The lectern's) date has been said to be c 1500 by an unknown authority. (4)
The account of the lectern being found in the pond is entirely traditional and there is no certain proof that it was so found or that it contained any papers. These MSS are in the possession of Nottm Corporation having come from the material at the Abbey. Some of them are post dissolution in date so that the suggestion that he canons concealed them in this fashion can be discounted. (5)
Eagle lectern, brass, c 1510. One of a series made in the late C15 and early C16, probably in East Anglia. (6)
Grid ref centred on pond.
See M8939 for priory, M2690 for Eagle Pond.

<1> Nottingham Corporation, 1945, Newstead Abbey Pubn no 1 (Published document). SNT251.

<2> Thoroton Society, 1919, TTS, p 111 (Published document). SNT344.

<3> British Archaeological Assoc, 1854, JBAA, p 24 (Published document). SNT191.

<4> Haywood HCL, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT757.

Other Refs: Provost of Southwell

<5> Walker Miss, Pers Comm (Personal comment). SNT1390.

<6> Pevsner N, 1979, The Buildings of England: Nottinghamshire 2nd ed., p 327 (Monograph). SNT4.