Averham

A Peaceful Village with Rich History

Averham is a tranquil village located just west of Newark-on-Trent. Known for its lovely riverside walks and rich historical background, Averham offers a unique blend of natural beauty and intriguing past. A scenic 12km circular walk from Averham to Rolleston and back along the river, passing Staythorpe Power Station, is detailed on Newark Map.

Historical Significance

Averham's history is shrouded in mystery, with the origin and meaning of its name remaining unsolved. The village's name appeared as "Egrum" until the 13th century, when it first appeared as "Averham" during the time of Edward I

Prehistoric and Roman Finds: The Geological Survey has found Stone Age implements in the area, and some mounds are believed to cover the foundations of a Roman fort. In 1740, antiquary Stukeley noted that a Roman road struck off from the Fosse Way near Balderton turnpike

Medieval Period: The last pre-Conquest owner of Averham was Suain, likely of Danish extraction. After the Norman Conquest, the manor was granted to Gilbert de Tisun. At that time, the village had a church, a mill, and a population of about 200

Lawlessness: Averham did not escape the lawlessness of the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1327, its park was broken into, and 30 oxen and 300 sheep were driven away. The village also experienced murders and property disputes

Drastic Changes to the Trent

In the 14th century, John de Sutton and others drastically changed the route of the River Trent to provide water to their mills and land. This created a powerful current, leading to legal disputes with the millers and inhabitants of Newark. The Sutton family was ordered by the court to build and maintain a weir to ensure sufficient water for Newark

St. Michael and All Angels Church

St. Michael and All Angels Church has Anglo-Saxon origins but is mainly from the 14th and 15th centuries. The church was united with the parish of Kelham in 1755 and renovated towards the end of the 19th century. The tower, known to be pre-Conquest, indicates a long-standing religious presence in the village

Robin Hood Theatre

The Robin Hood Theatre, a 150-seat venue, was designed by Reverend Joseph Cyril Walker and built in 1913. The theatre has a rich history, with contributions from notable figures like Ian McKellen and Judi Dench. The theatre group raised over £50,000 for renovations in 2014

The Old Rectory

Built in 1838-39 by William Patterson, the Old Rectory is one of the prominent houses in Averham. Recently, it was the location for some questionable horticultural activities. The property was recently sold, and its interior can be viewed online

The Suttons of Averham

The Sutton family is one of the most ancient families in Nottinghamshire. Robert Sutton supported Charles I in the Civil War and was made Baron Lexington of Averham in 1645. The family has several ancient memorials in the church

Staythorpe Power Station

Staythorpe C Power Station, a 1,735 MWe gas-fired power station, is located between Southwell and Newark-on-Trent. The station, owned by RWE, is the second-largest Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) power station in the UK

Cultural Impact

Averham's rich history, scenic walks, and vibrant community make it a wonderful place to explore. Whether you're interested in its mysterious past, historical buildings, or beautiful countryside, Averham has something for everyone.