The Ice House

The Ice House dates back to the 18th century. It has an egg shaped chamber below ground level which is covered with a dome of earth. The entrance opens into a passage, which leads to the chamber.

The ice would be removed from the pond when it had frozen to a thickness of at least one inch. The ice was then cut from around the edge and taken to the chamber. The top of the chamber would then be sealed up and the passage packed with straw to make it airtight. The ice would solidify and further supplies added as and when the pond refroze. Occasionally, mild winters resulted in ice being brought in by rail.

Ice supplies would usually last for the whole of the following summer. The ice was picked out rather like tunnelling for coal, bagged up and distributed as and when required.

The Millennium Walk

Beginning at Wykeham Church you pass the Ice House on your right, carry along the path and you will see a sign for Ruston. Turn left here and this brings you onto the old Railway Track. Follow this track and pass under the bridge walking along the cut. A wooden stile or gate allows you access into a field, which will take you into Ruston Village.

Halfway along the Old Railway Track a turning will direct you through a young wood, this then takes you into Fish Pond Woods. The pathway down this valley reveals in the distance The Downe Arms and Wykeham Church.

There are many varieties of wild flowers along this walk, they include Buttercups, Cow Parsley, Enchanters Nightshade, Forget-me-not, Horseshoe Vetch, Lasser Yellow Trefoil, Red Campion, Red Clover and White Dead Nettle.