Inside the Abbey: Lifelong Commitment to Wroxton
with Robert Denton, Groundskeeper and Stickmaker
Robert Denton standing by the front door of the Wroxton abbey.
When you think of Wroxton, you most likely will think of Robert Denton. He is a remarkable man who has been working as the Abbey’s groundsman for over 60 years - like his father and grandfather before him.
Robert maintains the 56 acres that make up the Wroxton Estate, mostly on his own. You might see him on his tractor mowing the front and back lawns several times a week in summer, tidying up the wooded areas with his chainsaw after a windstorm, or tending to the lovely flowerbeds and bushes with his trowel. You might even catch him carrying buckets of seeds down to the lake to feed the swans and ducks. Given all this, it’s not surprising that Robert’s day often starts before sunrise!
Robert’s knowledge of the flora, fauna and wildlife around Wroxton is truly extensive. He is always ready to share his vast knowledge of the countryside with students and visitors to the Abbey - and if you’re lucky, he’ll take you on a walk in the shire, and share with you his love and understanding of all living things. It will change your way of looking at nature forever.
Robert is widely known for his exceptional carvings, most notably for his beautiful walking sticks and decorative spoons. He has exhibited his sticks, spoons and other carvings at various shows, and won many prestigious national awards. Robert generously carves spoons and sticks for our alumni auction events. Charles III owns one of Robert’s carved walking sticks, so if you’re the proud owner of a Denton spoon or walking stick, you’re in good company!
Robert is the epitome of a man of the countryside! He is also a man of a few words, at least when talking about himself. Robert shared some thoughts with us about his life at Wroxton, and his relationship with the Abbey and village.
Robert’s carved dog spoon.
Interview with Robert Denton
How long have you been at Wroxton?
More or less all my life. Wroxton is in my roots. I’ve been working at Wroxton now for over 60 years.
What is an average day for you?
I get up at dawn and work till dusk, but every day is different. Planting bulbs, sweeping leaves, mowing the lawns, there’s only so much you can do in a day. Every day I see more things that need doing. I enjoy everything I do and take pride in my work.
What do you love most about your job?
Wroxton is such a beautiful place – planting trees, being with wildlife, I love it. I get up early and can’t wait to get into it. I’ve met some wonderful people over the years. It’s lovely when people come up to me in the grounds and thank me for the work I do. That’s a reward.
Please tell us a bit about your carving.
I enjoy carving. I find it very relaxing. My father used to work with wood, so wood carving has always been in the family. It’s been passed down to me. I carve walking sticks and spoons. I get all of my ideas from nature. It’s lovely sitting out at night, carving while listening to the owls calling. It’s so peaceful.
Wroxton College is embarking on a new chapter under its alumni-led stewardship. You’ve seen a lot of changes at the College over the years. How do you feel about this latest change?
I was working at the College before Fairleigh Dickinson University bought it and I’m still working here now. (Robert started working at the College under Lady Pearson’s stewardship). There have been a lot of changes at the College over the years and lots more changes in the grounds. Trees that I planted over fifty years ago now tower over me. I am delighted that the College is staying open and accepting students and I’m very grateful that I can continue working because I love my job.
An assortment of Robert’s carved spoons.