Edwinstowe
| Edwinstowe | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Civil parish |
|
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MANSFIELD |
| Postcode district | NG21 |
| Dialling code | 01623 |
| Police | Nottinghamshire |
| Fire | Nottinghamshire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament | |
Edwinstowe is a village and civil parish in the heart of Sherwood Forest, north Nottinghamshire, England.
Its name means Edwin's resting place because King (and Saint) Edwin of Northumbria's body was hidden in the church after he was killed in the Battle of Hatfield Chase, near Doncaster, probably in 633. Edwinstowe is referenced twice in the Domesday Book. Legend has it that Robin Hood married his sweetheart Maid Marian in St Mary's Church.
Thoresby Colliery served as Edwinstowe's main source of employment, until July 2015 when the mine was permanently closed.[1]
The loss of the colliery, one of the last remaining and part of a national closure of the British deep-mined coal industry, has meant that tourism has now taken the primary seat in the local economy. Edwinstowe's popularity among tourists is due mainly to the Major Oak being located near the village, a featured element in the folklore of Robin Hood.
Nottinghamshire County Council's nearby Sherwood Forest Visitors' Centre is scheduled for redevelopment and improvement, with a contract awarded to RSPB, intended for completion by late 2017 at a projected cost of £5.3 million.[2][3]
Centre Parcs' Sherwood Forest holiday village is a local employer established in 1987 situated close to the village outskirts.[4][5]
There was a post windmill south of the Mansfield Road with a small box-style roundhouse. It was driven by 2 common sails and 2 double patent sails.
History
Edwinstowe derives its name from King Edwin of Northumbria. In 633 CE Edwin was killed in the Battle of Hatfield Chase against King Penda of Mercia near the present day hamlet of Cuckney which is located roughly five miles to the northwest of modern day Edwinstowe.[6] The first government document to make reference to Edwinstowe is the Domesday Book. The document records that there were five households in addition to one priest and his four bordars living in the hamlet as of 1086.[7]
Village facilities/features
Famous people associated with the village
- Edwin of Northumbria gave his name to the village.
- Robin Hood was allegedly married here to Maid Marian.
- E. Cobham Brewer died here.
References
- ^ "Nottinghamshire's Thoresby Colliery closes after 90 years", BBC News (Nottingham), 10 July 2015, retrieved 2015-12-30
- ^ Sherwood Forest Country Park Nottinghamshire County Council, Retrieved 2015-12-30
- ^ RSPB chosen to build Nottinghamshire's Sherwood Forest visitor centre, BBC News (Nottingham) 12 August 2015, Retrieved 2015-12-30
- ^ Centre Parcs Sherwood Forest Village Retrieved 2015-12-30
- ^ Centre Parcs history Retrieved 2015-12-30
- ^ "Edwinstowe History". Edwinstowe Parish Council. Retrieved 2014-02-15.
- ^ "Place: Edwinstowe". Domesday Book. Open Domesday. Retrieved 2013-03-13.
- ^ The Adrenalin Jungle, retrieved 05.12.08
- ^ Go Ape, retrieved 05.12.08
External links
- Edwinstowe Parish Council, residents' and visitors' site
- GeoHack Edwinstowe grid reference SK613663