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History
Bilsthorpe dates back more than 1000
years. Before the Conquest, Bildersthorpe was the property of Ulph
the Saxon, but was given to Gilbert de Gand. From him it passed to
the Tregoz, Lowdam and Boughton and other families until the Savile's took
over in the 16th Century.
Until 1778 Bilsthorpe remained little
disturbed from its early days and in common with other Nottinghamshire
villages developed the characteristic three-field system. Then until
about 1798 Sir George Savile made enclosures without parliamentary
sanction. In 1832 the population of Bilsthorpe was
approximately 200.
In 1922 the greater part of the Northern
half of the parish was sold to the Stanton Iron and Steel Company which
was responsible for opening the Colliery in 1927. The Colliery
brought prosperity and expansion to the Village, houses were built by
Stanton to house the miners and the Council also began to build, so by
1968 the population had risen to about 2500 and now exceeds 3500.
Until 1985 Bilsthorpe remained two distinct villages, the new around the
colliery had left the old in seclusion, divided by a railway line and a
bridge. In 1985 the bridge was demolished and new housing
developments has since helped to merge the two.
The Church of St Margaret was built in
1200AD, replacing a pre Norman Cross. It's Bell Tower was built in
1663 after land had been given by Eakring for the purpose. The
nave is partly 14th Century and the Chancel a little earlier. It was
refashioned during the 17th Century. The Rectory was burned down in
1726 and a much more opulent building opposite the Church.
Incumbants lived there until the 1980s when a 'new' modern, smaller
Rectory was built and the 'old' Rectory was sold.It was confiscated
by Edward 3rd along with several other churches and so became part of the
Lowdam Family Estate for the next 300 years.
Charles 1st was alleged to have hidden
in the cupboard of the Manor House on his way to Newark.
Local Organisations
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Registered Charity No 219279
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The Royal British Legion
Bilsthorpe Branch
42 The Crescent, Bilsthorpe, Newark,
Notts. NG22 8QX
"Here to Serve
Those Who Served"
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President: |
Mr B N Gibson |
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Chairman: |
Mr D Ramsdale |
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Hon Secretary: |
Mrs E Jest |
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Hon Treasurer: |
Mr J Kesson |
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Poppy Appeal Organiser: |
Mrs E Jest |
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Standard Bearer: |
Mr D T Mehew |
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Branch meetings are held the
1st Tuesday each month at 7.30pm in the
Bilsthorpe Welfare Institute, The Crescent, Bilsthorpe
New members are always welcome
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Anyone who has served in any of the Armed
forces (including the Volunteer Reserves) can apply for Ordinary
membership. Associate membership is open too those who have not
themselves served, but who support the legion's aims. |
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