Flintham

A Perfect Village for a Stroll

Flintham is a charming village located a few kilometers outside of Newark-on-Trent. It's like stepping back in time, with its picturesque streets and friendly atmosphere. The village wouldn't look out of place in a period drama, especially with the hugely impressive Flintham Hall. Each visit to Flintham feels like a journey through history.

Historical Significance

The history of Flintham predates the Romans, with archaeological evidence of dwellings in fields off Spring Lane. The village is also home to one of the few remaining dovecotes, which is a scheduled monument

St. Augustine of Canterbury Church: The church is a Grade I listed building and was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086. It was given to Welbeck Abbey during the reign of King John. When Welbeck Abbey was dissolved, King Henry VIII gave the rectory and patronage, along with a considerable estate in Flintham, to Trinity College, Cambridge. These later came into the ownership of the Hildyard family[1]. In 1828, the church was largely rebuilt, with the nave and south aisle replaced by the present nave built of Mansfield stone. The medieval tower and chancel survived

Flintham Hall: The Manor of Flintham dates back to the 10th century. By the late 13th century, it was owned by Sir John de Hose. The manor passed through various families, including the Hoses, Husseys, and Disneys, before being purchased by Colonel Thomas Thoroton in 1789. The house was rebuilt in the Georgian style in 1798, and further additions were made in the early 19th century by Lewis Wyatt and Thomas C. Hine[1]. The hall remains in private ownership and has recently been the location for an upcoming movie release

Flintham Hall

Flintham Hall, located in the picturesque village of Flintham, has a rich history dating back to the 10th century. By the late 13th century, the manor was owned by Sir John de Hose. The property passed through various families, including the Hoses and Husseys, before being purchased by Richard Hacker in the 17th century

In 1789, Colonel Thomas Thoroton, the great-nephew of Dr. Robert Thoroton, the antiquarian, purchased Flintham Hall. He rebuilt the house in the Georgian style in 1798. The walled garden was also constructed around this time

19th Century Enhancements

Lewis Wyatt's Contributions: Colonel Thoroton Hildyard, who assumed the name Hildyard upon his marriage to the heiress of Sir Robert D'Arcy Hildyard, called in Lewis Wyatt to extend the stables around 1820. Wyatt began additions to the house in 1829, but only the library was completed before Colonel Thoroton's death in 1830

Thomas C. Hine's Renovations: In 1853, Thomas Blackborne Thoroton Hildyard commissioned Thomas C. Hine of Nottingham to encase the Hall in stone and build the tower, turret, and conservatory. The lake was added at this time, and the lime avenue was planted The hall was encased in Ancaster stone, and thewest front features a porte-cochère under a square tower

Architectural Features

Flintham Hall is a Grade I listed building, admired for its Italianate style. The hall is built of brick, partly rendered, and ashlar with hipped and gabled roofs. The west end of the south front comprises three storeys, while the two-storey library, designed by Lewis Wyatt in 1829, is linked to a later barrel-shaped conservatory

Conservatory: The much-admired 40-foot high conservatory in stone and glass is said to be the finest of its kind in the country

Modern Era

Private Ownership: Judge Gerard Moresby Thoroton Hildyard inherited Flintham Hall in 1928 and made various alterations to the gardens. The site remains in private ownership and has been used for filming and photography projects

Public Access: While the hall is not open to the public, there are public footpaths through the park that offer good views of the hall

Flintham Dovecote

This dovecote, located in the back garden of a cottage, is one of four surviving dovecotes in Flintham. It was open to the elements until 2012 when it was renovated at a cost of £40,000 and designated a Scheduled Monument due to its national archaeological importance[1]. The structure originally had 350 nesting holes and was two stories high with a thatched roof. Dovecotes like this one were typically owned by wealthy individuals and used to raise pigeons for their meat

Plough Boys Play

Flintham is one of about twenty places in Nottinghamshire where evidence of a traditional English Plough Boy's Play was found by local historian Maurice Barley. The play, consisting of 151 lines of text and involving seven characters, was last performed in Flintham in 1925. It was revived by the Foresters Morris Men in September 2014 with schoolboys from Flintham

Modern Flintham

Flintham Museum: The village has a museum dedicated to its history, which is well worth a visit
The Boot and Shoe: This fantastic little pub offers a cozy atmosphere and great food

Cultural Impact

Flintham's rich history, beautiful architecture, and vibrant community make it a wonderful place to explore. Whether you're interested in its ancient past, historical buildings, or simply enjoying a walk through its picturesque streets, Flintham offers a unique blend of past and present.