Elston

A Charming Village with Rich History

Elston is a lovely village located a few miles southwest of Newark-on-Trent. Easily accessible by bike or via bus (number 90), Elston offers a blend of historical intrigue and natural beauty. Some of these points have been added to the Newark Map.

Prehistoric Elston

One of the oft-told stories about Elston is the discovery of an ichthyosaur fossil in the grounds of the first rectory. However, it was actually a plesiosaur fossil found in a rectangular flagstone used for containers near a well. The stone was quarried at Fulbeck and brought to Elston by John South, the rector from 1702 to 1732[1]. The oldest archaeological find in Elston is a Stone Age flint blade found by a village school pupil, Michael Sparkes, in a field off Carrgate Lane.

Historic Elston

Elston has witnessed numerous historical events over the centuries. The Romans built settlements at Margidunum (Bingham) and Ad Pontem (East Stoke) on the Fosse Way (A46). At least two Roman farmsteads or small villas stood within the parish[1]. The Danes settled at neighboring Thorpe and Gunthorpe, and Elston itself was founded by the Angles in the 5th century

Battle of East Stoke: In 1487, Henry VII put down Lambert Simnel’s rebellion at East Stoke, the final battle of the War of the Roses

English Civil War: During the Civil War, Royalist Newark was besieged by the Parliamentarians
Erasmus Darwin: Elston was the birthplace and home of Erasmus Darwin, friend of Robert Boyle and Benjamin Franklin, and grandfather of Charles Darwin

Notable Historical Sites

Roman Villa: The remains of a Roman villa were found to the right of Brecks Lane towards the tu
rning to Sibthorpe
Elston Hall: Home to the Darwin family from 1680 until just after World War II, Elston Hall is a significant historical building in the village

All Saints Church: The church features lower stonework thought to be Saxon in origin

Elston Chapel: Located on the site of a medieval leper hospital

Elston Towers: The Victorian mansion of lay preacher Robert Middleton, now refurbished as a day spa and renamed Eden Hall

Origin of the Name

The Domesday Book of 1086 mentions the village as Elvestone. The name likely derives from a Scandinavian or Danish owner named Eilaf and the Anglo-Saxon "tun," meaning a fenced village[1]. Over time, Eilaf’s tun became Elston.

Modern Elston

Today, Elston is a thriving conservation village with a strong community spirit. It has its own Anglican/Methodist All Saints primary school, a pre-school, three churches, a village hall, a general store, and a public house undergoing acquisition as a community pub[3]. The village offers various amenities and activities, including a community sports field, football club, allotment society, garden club, WI, and The Pentagon History Society

Cultural Impact

Elston's rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant community make it a wonderful place to explore. Whether you're interested in its prehistoric finds, Roman history, or connections to the Darwin family, Elston offers a unique blend of past and present.