Flintham
Thorpe Village History
Thorpe is a tiny village near Newark, known for its rich history and scenic countryside. It's a lovely walk from Farndon or Newark, especially if you have an active dog.
Early History
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Roman Town: Thorpe was once a bustling 1st-century Roman fortified town known as Ad Pontem, one of four Roman settlements along the Fosse Way between Lincoln and Leicester. The name means "the place near the bridges," possibly referring to a bridge over the River Trent or wooden boards over marshy footpaths[1].
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Roman Fortifications: The site included a 1st-century fortlet with a military-style turf wall, later developing into a town with earthwork defenses and eventually stone walls by the 3rd century. Roman occupation extended from the 1st to the mid/late 4th century AD[1]
Anti-Slavery Movement
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Lucy Townsend: Thorpe was home to Lucy Townsend (1781–1847), a British abolitionist who founded the first Ladies' Anti-Slavery Society in Birmingham. Her society was a model for others in Britain and America, campaigning to end slavery in the West Indies and the US[2]. Lucy and her husband, Rev. Charles Townsend, were active abolitionists, and she played a significant role in the movement, including attending the World Anti-Slavery Conference in 1840[2].
Significant Events
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King Henry VII's Standard: Near Thorpe, King Henry VII raised his standard in June 1487 before the Battle of East Stoke, which secured the Tudors on the English throne[3].
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Plague Cup: In 1665, Henry Druell gave a silver Communion Cup to St Laurence Church as thanks for surviving the plague. The cup bears a warning to would-be thieves[4].
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St Laurence Church
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Construction: Built in the 12th century, the church was under the patronage of the de Thorpe family. It features a mix of architectural styles from various periods, including a 14th-century shaft and a Norman holy-water stoup[5].
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Features: The church houses a damaged 14th-century effigy of Lady Margaret Thorpe and a silver Communion Cup from 1665[5].
Molyneux Family
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Historical Ties: Thorpe was home to a branch of the distinguished Molyneux family. Judge Molyneux was an advisor to Henry VIII, and his descendants were involved in various historical events, including supporting Edward Seymour and sheltering a visiting priest in the 1580s[6].
Thorpe's rich history, from its Roman roots to its role in the anti-slavery movement and connections to notable families, makes it a fascinating village to explore.
If you have any specific questions or need more details, feel free to ask!
References
[2] Thorpe Cup :: GER vs. USA - Zehnkampf-TEAM
[3] DECATHLON HANDBOOK & MEDIA GUIDE - Leichtathletik
[4] MOLYNEUX, John I (d.1588), of Thorpe, Notts.
[5] Molineux
