Balderton: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Village and civil parish in Nottinghamshire, England}} |
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{{infobox UK place| |
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{{for|another place|Balderton, Cheshire}} |
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|country = England |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}{{Use British English|date=January 2024}} |
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|official_name= Balderton |
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|population= 10,298 |
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{{More citations needed|date=August 2011}} |
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|latitude= 53.05487 |
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{{Infobox UK place |
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|longitude= -0.7727 |
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| country = England |
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|map_type = Nottinghamshire |
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| official_name = Balderton |
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|shire_district= [[Newark and Sherwood]] |
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| population = 9,917 |
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|shire_county= [[Nottinghamshire]] |
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| population_ref = (2021 Census) |
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|region= East Midlands |
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| coordinates = {{coord|53.05487|-0.7727|display=inline,title|scale:25000}} |
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|constituency_westminster= [[Newark (UK Parliament constituency)|Newark]] |
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| static_image_name = Main Street, Balderton - geograph.org.uk - 281617.jpg |
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|post_town= NEWARK |
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| static_image_caption = Main Street, Balderton |
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|postcode_district = NG24 |
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| map_type = Nottinghamshire |
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|postcode_area= NG |
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| shire_district = [[Newark and Sherwood]] |
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|dial_code= 01636 |
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| shire_county = [[Nottinghamshire]] |
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|os_grid_reference= SK815515 |
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| region = East Midlands |
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| constituency_westminster = [[Newark (UK Parliament constituency)|Newark]] |
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| post_town = NEWARK |
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| parts = {{unbulleted list|New Balderton|Old Balderton}} |
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| parts_type = Settlements |
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| postcode_district = NG24 |
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| postcode_area = NG |
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| dial_code = 01636 |
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| os_grid_reference = SK 815515 |
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| type = [[Village#United_Kingdom|Village]] and [[civil parish]] |
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| static_image_2_name = {{infobox mapframe|frame-width=240|frame-height=220|zoom=12}} |
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| static_image_2_caption = Parish map |
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| area_total_sq_mi = 2.28 |
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| london_direction = SSE |
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| london_distance_mi = 110 |
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| website = {{url|http://www.baldertonparishcouncil.gov.uk|www.baldertonparish{{wbr}}council.gov.uk}} |
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}} |
}} |
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:''For the village of the same name in Cheshire, see [[Balderton, Cheshire]]'' |
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'''Balderton''' is a village and [[civil parish]] in the [[Newark and Sherwood]] district of [[Nottinghamshire]], [[England]]. The parish, which then included [[Fernwood, Nottinghamshire|Fernwood]] had a population of 10,298 as of 2001.<ref>[http://neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadTableView.do?a=3&b=798400&c=Balderton&d=16&e=15&g=479128&i=1001x1003x1004&m=0&enc=1&dsFamilyId=779 2001 Census]</ref> |
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'''Balderton''' is a [[Village#United Kingdom|village]] and [[civil parish]] in [[Nottinghamshire]], England, which had a population of 9,757 at the [[2011 United Kingdom census|2011 census]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neighbourhood.statistics.gov.uk/dissemination/LeadKeyFigures.do?a=7&b=11120321&c=Balderton&d=16&e=62&g=6457558&i=1001x1003x1032x1004&m=0&r=1&s=1459850665484&enc=1|title=Civil Parish population 2011|accessdate=5 April 2016|publisher=Office for National Statistics|work=Neighbourhood Statistics}}</ref> increasing to 9,917 at the [[2021 United Kingdom census|2021 census]].<ref>{{NOMIS2021|id=E04013147|title=Balderton parish|accessdate=29 January 2024}}</ref> |
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Balderton is one of the largest villages in Nottinghamshire,<ref name="Balderton Parish Council Website">[http://www.baldertonparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Balderton Parish Council Website]</ref> although it may be more properly considered a suburb of Newark on Trent. |
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Balderton is split into Balderton ('Old Balderton'- the southern part of the village) and New Balderton, both of a roughly equal size. The eighteenth-century maps of Bowen and Owen say "Balderton vulgo Bodderton." |
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Balderton is one of the largest villages in Nottinghamshire,<ref name="Balderton Parish Council Website">[http://www.baldertonparishcouncil.gov.uk/ Balderton Parish Council Website]</ref> although it may be more properly considered a suburb of [[Newark-on-Trent]], which is almost adjacent to the north-west. Balderton is split into Old Balderton, the southern part of the village, and New Balderton. |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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The busy A1 trunk road once ran through the village |
The busy A1 trunk road once ran through the village, but now skirts Balderton to the west and south. The old A1 near the site of the hospital/hall was called the Ramper. The [[East Coast Main Line]] railway between London and Edinburgh crosses the parish north of the village; the nearest station is [[Newark North Gate railway station|Newark North Gate]]. Balderton was also once on the [[Great North Road (Great Britain)|Great North Road]]. |
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The soil is mostly alluvial clays. Large deposits of gravel and sand were excavated in New Balderton |
The soil is mostly alluvial clays. Large deposits of gravel and sand were excavated in New Balderton, and the resulting pits were turned into a lakeside park. [[Gypsum]] is still mined nearby.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hawley |first=Zena |date=2022-05-24 |title=Nottinghamshire quarry extension gets go-ahead and few objections |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/news/local-news/nottinghamshire-quarry-extension-gets-go-7121658 |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Nottinghamshire Live |language=en}}</ref> The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, mixed arable and livestock. |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The name Balderton has obscure roots but may have been derived from [[Balder]] or [[Baldur]] – the [[Norse mythology|Norse]] god of innocence, beauty, joy, purity, and peace and Odin's second son. The village itself is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin and is mentioned in the Domesday Book. The ''ton'' suffix suggests a Late Anglo-Saxon origin. The Saxon countess [[Godiva]], the wife of Earl Leofric, had property in the Manor of Newark nearby. |
The name Balderton has obscure roots but may have been derived from [[Balder]] or [[Baldur]] – the [[Norse mythology|Norse]] god of innocence, beauty, joy, purity, and peace and Odin's second son eventually killed by his blind brother in an accident involving [[Loki]] the god of mischief and fire. The village itself is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin and is mentioned in the [[Domesday Book]] of 1086. The ''ton'' suffix suggests a Late Anglo-Saxon origin. The Saxon countess [[Godiva]], the wife of Earl Leofric, had property in the Manor of Newark nearby. |
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In the |
In the Domesday Book the place is called Baldretune, and is described as a berewick (a dependent hamlet) of Newark. In the Pope Nicholas IV taxation of 1291 it is spelt Baldirton. |
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Balderton's Lords, the Busseys, lived in the area in William the Conqueror's era and held it until the reign of Elizabeth I. It subsequently descended to the Meers and Lascels. In the 1840s, when its population was a little over 1,000, large parts of the village were owned principally by the [[Duke of Newcastle]], who was lord of the manor. |
Balderton's Lords, the Busseys, lived in the area in William the Conqueror's era and held it until the reign of Elizabeth I. It subsequently descended to the Meers and Lascels. In the 1840s, when its population was a little over 1,000, large parts of the village were owned principally by the [[Duke of Newcastle]], who was lord of the manor. |
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Two petitions of the fourteenth century show disputes with the nearby village of [[Claypole, Lincolnshire|Claypole]]. In 1305 the [[bishop of Lincoln]] and the Busseys were hindering passage along the road to Newark market (National Archives S8/161/8038) and in 1324 the people of Claypole petitioned about Balderton people attacking jurors in relation to the Oldebrigg between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire (National Archives S8/39/1930). The will of John de Boston, a mercer of Newark, in 1443 left twenty shillings for the maintenance of the bridge between Balderton and Bennington; the bridge was called "fennebrige" (Brown (1907) 1.172). |
Two petitions of the fourteenth century show disputes with the nearby village of [[Claypole, Lincolnshire|Claypole]]. In 1305 the [[bishop of Lincoln]] and the Busseys were hindering passage along the road to Newark market (National Archives S8/161/8038) and in 1324 the people of Claypole petitioned about Balderton people attacking jurors in relation to the Oldebrigg between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire (National Archives S8/39/1930). The will of John de Boston, a [[Mercer (occupation)|mercer]] of Newark, in 1443 left twenty shillings for the maintenance of the bridge between Balderton and Bennington; the bridge was called "fennebrige" (Brown (1907) 1.172). |
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Grapes were once grown at Balderton. In 1578 there were accusations of vines being cut down (Brown (1907) 1.188). |
Grapes were once grown at Balderton. In 1578 there were accusations of vines being cut down (Brown (1907) 1.188). |
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During the final siege of Newark in the Civil War Colonel Rossiter, a parliamentary commander, was camped at Balderton. |
During the final siege of Newark in the [[English Civil War]], Colonel Rossiter, a parliamentary commander, was camped at Balderton. |
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A Balderton enclosure act was passed in 1766. |
A Balderton enclosure act was passed in 1766. |
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London Road was built in |
London Road was built in 1767 as a turnpike (bypass) for the Great North Road (designated the A1 in 1923) which ran through Balderton and to the north of England. One of the former coach houses built to serve the turnpike is now a public house. |
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A [[windmill]] at Balderton was recorded as having been removed c. 1845. It was a postmill on |
A [[windmill]] at Balderton was recorded as having been removed c. 1845. It was a postmill on a 2-storey roundhouse, with 2 spring and 2 common sails. A windmill was recorded on the Old Series Ordnance Survey map on a site close to Spring Lane ({{gbmapping|SK832506}}). |
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In 1901 Simpson and Co opened their pump manufacturing works at Balderton; it was subsequently Worthington Simpson in 1917 and from 2001 Flowserve Pumps Ltd. Their products are used in the chemical, water, and pharmaceutical industries. |
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In 1901 Simpson and Co opened their pump manufacturing works at Balderton; it was subsequently [[Worthington Simpson]] in 1917 and from 2001 Flowserve Pumps Ltd. Their products are used in the chemical, water, and pharmaceutical industries. Part of the site is now earmarked for housing.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-06-02 |title=Further consternation as application comes forward to enable huge housing development at Flowserve |url=https://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/further-consternation-as-application-comes-forward-to-enable-9315356/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Newark Advertiser |language=en}}</ref> |
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Pre-Roman and Roman sites have been noted in English Heritage's Pastscape records for Balderton, along with two Civil War sites. |
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Pre-Roman and Roman sites have been noted in English Heritage's Pastscape records for Balderton, along with two Civil War sites. |
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==Administration== |
==Administration== |
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==Architecture== |
==Architecture== |
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[[File:St.Giles' church Balderton - geograph.org.uk - 281615.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|St Giles' Church, Balderton]] |
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The Parish Church of [[St Giles]] ([[diocese of Southwell]]) was originally built in the 12th century and enlarged considerably in the 13th and 14th centuries. Two Romanesque-style porch doorways, dating from about 1140, face north and south. The more imposing north entrance is topped by a niche containing a figure, possibly St Giles, although this was likely added as late as the 19th century. The Rood Screen dates from about 1475. The church has a substantial spire at the west end of the building containing a peal of eight bells. |
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The Parish Church of [[St Giles' Church, Balderton|St Giles]] ([[diocese of Southwell]]) was originally built in the 12th century and enlarged considerably in the 13th and 14th centuries. Two Romanesque-style porch doorways, dating from about 1140, face north and south. The more imposing north entrance is topped by a niche containing a figure, possibly St Giles, although this was probably added as late as the 19th century. The north and south arcades are of 13th and 14th century date respectively, and the font is octagonal and early 14th century. The [[rood screen]] dates from about 1475, whilst the numerous bench ends are of an uncommon symmetrical design. The church has a substantial spire at the west end of the building containing a peal of eight bells. The lower part of the tower is 13th century but the upper parts must be later, either late 14th or early 15th century.<ref>Pevsner, N. (1951) ''Nottinghamshire''. Harmondsworth: Penguin; p. 33</ref> |
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== Schools == |
== Schools == |
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At the beginning of the |
At the beginning of the 20th century education in Balderton was organised in a senior school in Main Street and a primary school on London Road, the latter opening in 1903. |
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A few children from the village went from the primary school to the grammar schools in Newark, the numbers increasing after the |
A few children from the village went from the primary school to the grammar schools in Newark, the numbers increasing after the [[Education Act 1944]]. Some children at thirteen went to the technical college in Newark. |
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===John Hunt Primary and Nursery School=== |
===John Hunt Primary and Nursery School=== |
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This is a school resulting from a merging of the John Hunt Infant & Nursery School and the John Hunt Junior School,the new school opening in September 2008 |
This is a school resulting from a merging of the John Hunt Infant & Nursery School and the John Hunt Junior School, the new school opening in September 2008 John Hunt Primary and Nursery School on London Road. |
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===Chuter Ede=== |
===Chuter Ede=== |
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A second primary school |
A second primary school, Chuter Ede, opened in 1964 in Main Street, and in its present buildings in Wolfit Avenue in 1967. A second site opened in 2012 in Fernwood, a new housing estate. |
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===Highfields=== |
===Highfields=== |
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A private preparatory school, Highfields, on the border with Newark. |
A private preparatory school, Highfields, is on the border with Newark. |
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===The |
===The Newark Academy=== |
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Secondary education for those aged eleven to eighteen is at [[The Newark Academy]]. |
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Secondary education for those aged eleven to eighteen is at the Grove science college[http://www.grove.notts.sch.uk], a comprehensive school which now has the status of science college. It consists of six different houses, Richmond, Kenilworth, Pembroke, Stirling, Warwick and Ludlow which decides what colour stripes the students have on their ties. |
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In September 2008 it joined with the Newark High School. The Newark high site is now known as the Lilley and Stone site for the Grove School, and is home to the sixth form and vocational courses. |
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The institution was previously known as The Grove Comprehensive. In September 2008 the Grove School joined with the Newark High School, and today the former Newark High School is used as a sixth form centre for the school. In 2012 the Grove School converted to academy status and was renamed the Newark Academy.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Millar |first=Fiona |date=2013-06-17 |title=Schools that were promised new buildings are still crumbling, years later |language=en-GB |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2013/jun/17/priority-schools-building-programme-inadequate |access-date=2023-11-24 |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> The school was rebuilt in a £20 million project completed in 2016 after multiple delays.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-11 |title=The Newark Academy's rebuild on track ahead of January opening |url=https://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/the-newark-academys-rebuild-on-track-ahead-o-9009419/ |access-date=2023-11-24 |website=Newark Advertiser |language=en}}</ref> |
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The school has been fighting alongside the Orchard School and Magnus School in Newark to get their funding back that they have lost since the cut of the building schools for the future projects. |
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== Notable people == |
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* [[Somerset Walpole]] (1854–1929), an Anglican priest, bishop, teacher and author. |
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* [[Donald Wolfit|Sir Donald Wolfit]], CBE (1902–1968), an English [[actor-manager]] |
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* [[Cyril Poole]] (1921–1996) played both professional cricket and football, died in Balderton |
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== Balderton entertainment == |
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== Balderton Entertainment == |
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===Balderton Lake=== |
===Balderton Lake=== |
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[[File:Balderton Lake - geograph.org.uk - 77455.jpg|thumb|Balderton Lake]] |
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Balderton Lake originally known as Blue Lake is owned by the Balderton Parish Council, who maintain the walkway around the lake, as well as the wooded area and grasslands. Currently, work is commencing on creating a viewing area for disabled people.<ref name="Balderton Parish Council Website"/> A number of trees around the lake were planted early in the 1990s as part of a project undertaken by John Hunt Infant School. A local fishing club rent fishing rights from the council, and are responsible for taking care of the water, while the charity [[Sustrans]] have resurfaced the old Newark-Bottesford railway line bordering the lake, resulting in several miles of walking and cycle track. |
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Balderton Lake is owned by the Balderton Parish Council, who maintain the walkway around the lake, as well as the wooded area and grasslands. There is a viewing area with access for disabled people.<ref name="Balderton Parish Council Website"/> A number of trees around the lake were planted early in the 1990s as part of a project undertaken by John Hunt Infant School. A local fishing club rent fishing rights from the council, and are responsible for taking care of the water, while the charity [[Sustrans]] have resurfaced the old Newark-Bottesford railway line bordering the lake, resulting in several miles of walking and cycle track. It is now surrounded by a large number of houses. |
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===Grove Leisure Centre=== |
===Grove Leisure Centre=== |
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Balderton has a leisure centre which contains two swimming pools, a large adult gym and a junior Shokk! gym, squash courts and several large halls used for fitness classes. It also does a number of life guarding courses including theory work which all students enjoy. |
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Until the opening of the [[Newark Sports and Fitness Centre]] in May 2016, Balderton was the location of a leisure centre serving the local community, offering two swimming pools, gym facilities, squash courts and other sporting amenities. |
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The vacant buildings fell victim to a suspected arson attack in September 2017.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/news/fire-at-old-grove-leisure-centre-building-9041266/|title=Fire at old Grove Leisure Centre building|date=15 September 2017}}</ref> |
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===Pubs=== |
===Pubs=== |
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*Chesters (formerly the New Cock Inn) |
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The following pubs can be found in Balderton. |
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*Chesters (formerly called the Cock Inn) |
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*The Grove |
*The Grove |
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*Rose and Crown |
*Rose and Crown |
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*The Turk's Head - existing in 1829 as mentioned in the ''Times'' 2 October 1829. In 2008 this became a veterinary surgery. |
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== Football teams == |
== Football teams == |
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== Balderton New Hall == |
== Balderton New Hall == |
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A large private house on the southern outskirts of the village built 1840 for Thomas Spragging Godfrey. Godfrey became sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 1853 (''Times'' 9 February 1853, page 3) and died at Balderton Hall on 7 September 1877. The hall was advertised for sale in the ''Times'' in |
A large private house on the southern outskirts of the village built 1840 for Thomas Spragging Godfrey. Godfrey became sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 1853 (''Times'' 9 February 1853, page 3) and died at Balderton Hall on 7 September 1877. The hall was advertised for sale in the ''Times'' in November 1880: house, stables, cottages for gardener and groom, and {{convert|135|acre|km2}}, the remaining {{convert|425|acre|km2}} to be sold separately. |
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It was bought in 1930 by Nottinghamshire county council for conversion to a mental hospital but work on this stopped during World War II. The hospital was opened for patients in 1957 and closed in 1993. There is now housing on the former hospital site and nearby is the Fernwood business park. |
It was bought in 1930 by Nottinghamshire county council for conversion to a mental hospital but work on this stopped during World War II. The hospital was opened for patients in 1957 and closed in 1993. There is now housing on the former hospital site and nearby is the Fernwood business park. |
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==RAF Balderton== |
==RAF Balderton== |
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[[File:Royal Air Force 1939-1945- Bomber Command CH4742.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A wintry scene at RAF Balderton in 1942]] |
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Balderton airfield opened in June 1941 with a grass surface over stiff clay. It was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). During World War II it was used primarily as a troop carrier transport airfield and after for munitions storage before it finally closed. [[RAF Balderton]] airfield was also used by [[Frank Whittle|Sir Frank Whittle]] and his flight trials unit during development of the jet engine in 1943-1944. Whittle lived and worked on his engine designs at Balderton Old Hall on Main Street. |
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==See also== |
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During World War II, Balderton Airfield, opened in 1941, became home to RAF bombers and [[Sir Frank Whittle]], inventor of the jet engine, lived and worked on his engine designs at Balderton Hall. |
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*[[Listed buildings in Balderton]] |
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For more on the former Balderton airfield see [[RAF Balderton]]. |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{Reflist}} |
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==Bibliography== |
==Bibliography== |
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*Brown, Cornelius (1879) ''The Annals of Newark upon Trent'': H. Sotheran, London and S. Whiles, Newark (reprinted 2005). Available for free download at www.archive.org/ |
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*Brown, Cornelius (1904, 1907) ''A History of Newark on Trent'': S. Whiles, Newark (reprinted 1995, two volumes) |
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*WEA/Balderton Local History Group (1992) ''Balderton in Times Past'' |
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BROWN Cornelius (1904, 1907) ''A history of Newark on Trent'': S Whiles, Newark (reprinted 1995 (two volumes) |
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*Balderton Parish Council (1994) ''Balderton Updated'' |
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WEA/Balderton Local History Group (1992)''Balderton in times past'' |
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Balderton Parish Council (1994) ''Balderton updated'' |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{Commons category|Balderton}} |
{{Commons category|Balderton}} |
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*[http://www.stgilesbalderton.org.uk St. Giles Church] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20180319015257/http://www.stgilesbalderton.org.uk/ St. Giles Church (archived)] |
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*[http://www.crsbi.ac.uk/ed/nt/balde/index.htm St. Giles Church Architecture] |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20070927010852/http://www.crsbi.ac.uk/ed/nt/balde/index.htm St. Giles Church Architecture (archived)] |
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*[http://www. |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20061001091238/http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/warner/warner25.htm Balderton New Hall] |
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* {{OpenDomesday|SK8151|balderton|Balderton}} |
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*[http://www.newarkadvertiser.co.uk/warner/warner25.htm Balderton New Hall] |
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* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nduaDwt7hFg YouTube video - parish visit journal] |
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{{Nottinghamshire}} |
{{Nottinghamshire}} |
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{{Authority control}} |
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[[Category:Villages in Nottinghamshire]] |
[[Category:Villages in Nottinghamshire]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Civil parishes in Nottinghamshire]] |
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[[Category:Newark and Sherwood]] |
[[Category:Newark and Sherwood]] |
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[[Category:Areas of Newark-on-Trent]] |
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[[nl:Balderton]] |
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[[pl:Balderton]] |
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Latest revision as of 16:00, 23 October 2024
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (August 2011) |
| Balderton | |
|---|---|
| Village and civil parish | |
 Main Street, Balderton | |
 Parish map | |
  Balderton Location within Nottinghamshire | |
| Area | 2.28 sq mi (5.9 km2) |
| Population | 9,917 (2021 Census) |
| • Density | 4,350/sq mi (1,680/km2) |
| OS grid reference | SK 815515 |
| • London | 110 mi (180 km) SSE |
| District | |
| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Settlements |
|
| Post town | NEWARK |
| Postcode district | NG24 |
| Dialling code | 01636 |
| Police | Nottinghamshire |
| Fire | Nottinghamshire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament | |
| Website | www.baldertonparish |
Balderton is a village and civil parish in Nottinghamshire, England, which had a population of 9,757 at the 2011 census,[1] increasing to 9,917 at the 2021 census.[2]
Balderton is one of the largest villages in Nottinghamshire,[3] although it may be more properly considered a suburb of Newark-on-Trent, which is almost adjacent to the north-west. Balderton is split into Old Balderton, the southern part of the village, and New Balderton.
Geography
[edit]The busy A1 trunk road once ran through the village, but now skirts Balderton to the west and south. The old A1 near the site of the hospital/hall was called the Ramper. The East Coast Main Line railway between London and Edinburgh crosses the parish north of the village; the nearest station is Newark North Gate. Balderton was also once on the Great North Road.
The soil is mostly alluvial clays. Large deposits of gravel and sand were excavated in New Balderton, and the resulting pits were turned into a lakeside park. Gypsum is still mined nearby.[4] The surrounding area is mostly agricultural, mixed arable and livestock.
History
[edit]The name Balderton has obscure roots but may have been derived from Balder or Baldur – the Norse god of innocence, beauty, joy, purity, and peace and Odin's second son eventually killed by his blind brother in an accident involving Loki the god of mischief and fire. The village itself is probably of Anglo-Saxon origin and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The ton suffix suggests a Late Anglo-Saxon origin. The Saxon countess Godiva, the wife of Earl Leofric, had property in the Manor of Newark nearby.
In the Domesday Book the place is called Baldretune, and is described as a berewick (a dependent hamlet) of Newark. In the Pope Nicholas IV taxation of 1291 it is spelt Baldirton.
Balderton's Lords, the Busseys, lived in the area in William the Conqueror's era and held it until the reign of Elizabeth I. It subsequently descended to the Meers and Lascels. In the 1840s, when its population was a little over 1,000, large parts of the village were owned principally by the Duke of Newcastle, who was lord of the manor.
Two petitions of the fourteenth century show disputes with the nearby village of Claypole. In 1305 the bishop of Lincoln and the Busseys were hindering passage along the road to Newark market (National Archives S8/161/8038) and in 1324 the people of Claypole petitioned about Balderton people attacking jurors in relation to the Oldebrigg between Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire (National Archives S8/39/1930). The will of John de Boston, a mercer of Newark, in 1443 left twenty shillings for the maintenance of the bridge between Balderton and Bennington; the bridge was called "fennebrige" (Brown (1907) 1.172).
Grapes were once grown at Balderton. In 1578 there were accusations of vines being cut down (Brown (1907) 1.188).
During the final siege of Newark in the English Civil War, Colonel Rossiter, a parliamentary commander, was camped at Balderton.
A Balderton enclosure act was passed in 1766.
London Road was built in 1767 as a turnpike (bypass) for the Great North Road (designated the A1 in 1923) which ran through Balderton and to the north of England. One of the former coach houses built to serve the turnpike is now a public house.
A windmill at Balderton was recorded as having been removed c. 1845. It was a postmill on a 2-storey roundhouse, with 2 spring and 2 common sails. A windmill was recorded on the Old Series Ordnance Survey map on a site close to Spring Lane (grid reference SK832506).
In 1901 Simpson and Co opened their pump manufacturing works at Balderton; it was subsequently Worthington Simpson in 1917 and from 2001 Flowserve Pumps Ltd. Their products are used in the chemical, water, and pharmaceutical industries. Part of the site is now earmarked for housing.[5]
Pre-Roman and Roman sites have been noted in English Heritage's Pastscape records for Balderton, along with two Civil War sites.
Administration
[edit]Since 1894 Balderton has been governed at the village level by a parish council. There are currently [when?] 18 elected members. Land owned by the Balderton Parish Council includes the cemetery and Garden of Remembrance on Belvoir Road and Mount Road, the Coronation Street playing field, Balderton Lake, and the Parish Council Hall on Pinfold Lane.[6]
Architecture
[edit]
The Parish Church of St Giles (diocese of Southwell) was originally built in the 12th century and enlarged considerably in the 13th and 14th centuries. Two Romanesque-style porch doorways, dating from about 1140, face north and south. The more imposing north entrance is topped by a niche containing a figure, possibly St Giles, although this was probably added as late as the 19th century. The north and south arcades are of 13th and 14th century date respectively, and the font is octagonal and early 14th century. The rood screen dates from about 1475, whilst the numerous bench ends are of an uncommon symmetrical design. The church has a substantial spire at the west end of the building containing a peal of eight bells. The lower part of the tower is 13th century but the upper parts must be later, either late 14th or early 15th century.[7]
Schools
[edit]At the beginning of the 20th century education in Balderton was organised in a senior school in Main Street and a primary school on London Road, the latter opening in 1903.
A few children from the village went from the primary school to the grammar schools in Newark, the numbers increasing after the Education Act 1944. Some children at thirteen went to the technical college in Newark.
John Hunt Primary and Nursery School
[edit]This is a school resulting from a merging of the John Hunt Infant & Nursery School and the John Hunt Junior School, the new school opening in September 2008 John Hunt Primary and Nursery School on London Road.
Chuter Ede
[edit]A second primary school, Chuter Ede, opened in 1964 in Main Street, and in its present buildings in Wolfit Avenue in 1967. A second site opened in 2012 in Fernwood, a new housing estate.
Highfields
[edit]A private preparatory school, Highfields, is on the border with Newark.
The Newark Academy
[edit]Secondary education for those aged eleven to eighteen is at The Newark Academy.
The institution was previously known as The Grove Comprehensive. In September 2008 the Grove School joined with the Newark High School, and today the former Newark High School is used as a sixth form centre for the school. In 2012 the Grove School converted to academy status and was renamed the Newark Academy.[8] The school was rebuilt in a £20 million project completed in 2016 after multiple delays.[9]
Notable people
[edit]- Somerset Walpole (1854–1929), an Anglican priest, bishop, teacher and author.
- Sir Donald Wolfit, CBE (1902–1968), an English actor-manager
- Cyril Poole (1921–1996) played both professional cricket and football, died in Balderton
Balderton entertainment
[edit]Balderton Lake
[edit]
Balderton Lake is owned by the Balderton Parish Council, who maintain the walkway around the lake, as well as the wooded area and grasslands. There is a viewing area with access for disabled people.[3] A number of trees around the lake were planted early in the 1990s as part of a project undertaken by John Hunt Infant School. A local fishing club rent fishing rights from the council, and are responsible for taking care of the water, while the charity Sustrans have resurfaced the old Newark-Bottesford railway line bordering the lake, resulting in several miles of walking and cycle track. It is now surrounded by a large number of houses.
Grove Leisure Centre
[edit]Until the opening of the Newark Sports and Fitness Centre in May 2016, Balderton was the location of a leisure centre serving the local community, offering two swimming pools, gym facilities, squash courts and other sporting amenities.
The vacant buildings fell victim to a suspected arson attack in September 2017.[10]
Pubs
[edit]- Chesters (formerly the New Cock Inn)
- The Grove
- Rose and Crown
Football teams
[edit]RHP are the main football team. Grove Rangers junior football club also play in Balderton. Newark Town sports clubs also provide football teams for all ages.
Balderton Old Boys also are a local football team.
Balderton New Hall
[edit]A large private house on the southern outskirts of the village built 1840 for Thomas Spragging Godfrey. Godfrey became sheriff of Nottinghamshire in 1853 (Times 9 February 1853, page 3) and died at Balderton Hall on 7 September 1877. The hall was advertised for sale in the Times in November 1880: house, stables, cottages for gardener and groom, and 135 acres (0.55 km2), the remaining 425 acres (1.72 km2) to be sold separately.
It was bought in 1930 by Nottinghamshire county council for conversion to a mental hospital but work on this stopped during World War II. The hospital was opened for patients in 1957 and closed in 1993. There is now housing on the former hospital site and nearby is the Fernwood business park.
RAF Balderton
[edit]
Balderton airfield opened in June 1941 with a grass surface over stiff clay. It was used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and United States Army Air Forces (USAAF). During World War II it was used primarily as a troop carrier transport airfield and after for munitions storage before it finally closed. RAF Balderton airfield was also used by Sir Frank Whittle and his flight trials unit during development of the jet engine in 1943-1944. Whittle lived and worked on his engine designs at Balderton Old Hall on Main Street.
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ "Civil Parish population 2011". Neighbourhood Statistics. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 5 April 2016.
- ^ UK Census (2021). "2021 Census Area Profile – Balderton parish (E04013147)". Nomis. Office for National Statistics. Retrieved 29 January 2024.
- ^ a b Balderton Parish Council Website
- ^ Hawley, Zena (24 May 2022). "Nottinghamshire quarry extension gets go-ahead and few objections". Nottinghamshire Live. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Further consternation as application comes forward to enable huge housing development at Flowserve". Newark Advertiser. 2 June 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ Balderton Parish Council Website
- ^ Pevsner, N. (1951) Nottinghamshire. Harmondsworth: Penguin; p. 33
- ^ Millar, Fiona (17 June 2013). "Schools that were promised new buildings are still crumbling, years later". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "The Newark Academy's rebuild on track ahead of January opening". Newark Advertiser. 11 May 2015. Retrieved 24 November 2023.
- ^ "Fire at old Grove Leisure Centre building". 15 September 2017.
Bibliography
[edit]- Brown, Cornelius (1879) The Annals of Newark upon Trent: H. Sotheran, London and S. Whiles, Newark (reprinted 2005). Available for free download at www.archive.org/
- Brown, Cornelius (1904, 1907) A History of Newark on Trent: S. Whiles, Newark (reprinted 1995, two volumes)
- WEA/Balderton Local History Group (1992) Balderton in Times Past
- Balderton Parish Council (1994) Balderton Updated
External links
[edit]
- St. Giles Church (archived)
- St. Giles Church Architecture (archived)
- Balderton New Hall
- Balderton in the Domesday Book
- YouTube video - parish visit journal
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