Towns

The market town of Tuxford was previously known as ‘Tuxford in the Clays’, ‘Tuckers Ford’, and as far back as the Doomsday Book, ‘Tuxfarne’. Over the centuries these lands were owned by many lords, the most recent being the Duke of Newcastle. In 1218 a charter was granted by Henry III to John de Lexington, allowing the village an annual fair and a weekly market, which brought Tuxford a new status as an independent trading centre.

Standing proud and tall in the centre of the village of Tuxford is the beautiful St Nicholas Church. Undoubtedly it is the oldest building in the parish. Although there is no mention of the church in the Doomsday Book, there was no doubt a place of worship on the site at the time. The victorian lamp, although not in its original position was unveiled on 31st December 1897 by the Duchess of Newcastle in commemoration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee (Queen Victoria). On the same site, KSR Accountants is the only remaining building of what was formerly the Butter Market. This was open air until 1852 when the Duke of Newcastle built the indoor market for the local traders.

Opposite the church stands a gracious elegant building dated 1669. It was formerly known as the Read Grammar School. Charles Read of Darlton bequeathed funds to build and maintain a school for boys in his will. He left instructions that the school was to be administered by six local trustees to ensure that his rules were carried out. The ‘School Rules’ can still be seen hanging in the building today. Although it ceased to be a school in 1915, the Read’s Foundation still funds education in the village today.

Attractions

Walks of Life Heritage Centre
Tuxford Windmill
The ‘Lock Up’

Further Reading

Tuxford has a community website: www.tuxfordonline.co.uk

How far is it?

From Eastfield Park : < 1 mile From Sparrow Lane : 5 miles

Retford (also known as East Retford) is a market town in Nottinghamshire in the East Midlands of England, located 31 miles from the city of Nottingham, and 23 miles west of Lincoln, in the district of Bassetlaw. The town is situated in a valley with the River Idle and the Chesterfield Canal running through the centre of the town. The village of Ordsall is a suburb of the town, divided from Retford by the River Idle and the East Coast Main Line railway. Retford is under the control of Bassetlaw District Council, with their base being located in neighbouring Worksop. Retford is twinned with the town of Pfungstadt, Germany.

In the Market Square there is an ornate French-inspired Victorian Town Hall, in front of which is The Broad Stone. Legend says that this stone had a hollow in it that used to be filled with vinegar during plague times to disinfect coins. However, it is thought to be the upturned base of a boundary marker – perhaps the ‘Dominie Cross’.

Also in the Market Square is the war memorial unveiled by Sir Frederick Milner in 1921. The memorial is in the form of an Eleanor cross an octagonal structure of late gothic design. The names of the men killed in World War I are on the lower 8 panels and on bronze plaques are the names of those who were killed in World War II.

Retford’s captured Sebastopol Cannon in front of St. Swithun’s Church. Plaque on side states ‘Captured 1855 Sevastopol’
The monument was designed by architect Leonard W. Barnard F.R.I.B.A. of Cheltenham. The memorial is constructed of Stancliffe stone from Darley Dale, Derbyshire.[5]

Just across from the Market Square is Cannon Square which has St Swithun’s Church and a cannon captured from the Russians during the Siege of Sevastopol at the end of the Crimean War in 1856.

Attractions

Majestic Theatre
Idle Valley Nature Reserve
Hayton Castle Clay Shoot
Springhead Brewery
Bassetlaw Museum

How far is it?

From Eastfield Park : 8 miles From Sparrow Lane : 13 miles

Lincoln is a cathedral city and county town of Lincolnshire, England.

Lincoln developed from the Roman town of Lindum Colonia, which developed from an Iron Age settlement. Lincoln’s major landmarks are Lincoln Cathedral, a fine example of English Gothic architecture, and Lincoln Castle, an 11th-century Norman castle.

The city is also home to the University of Lincoln and Bishop Grosseteste University. Lincoln is situated in a gap in the Lincoln Cliff 141 miles (227 kilometres) north of London, at an elevation of 20.4 metres (66.9 feet) above sea level by the River Witham, stretching up to 72.8 metres (238.8 feet) above sea level in the uphill area around the cathedral.

An ideal destination for a city break, Lincoln offers an experience rich in history combined with independent boutique shopping, great arts and culture and a wealth of places to eat and drink.

The city is easily walkable for visitors with good mobility – the main shopping and tourist area stretches from St Marks Shopping centre in the south up to the Cathedral Quarter – known locally as ‘Uphill’.

Steep Hill, voted Britain’s Great Street 2012, connects ‘downhill’ and ‘uphill’ Lincoln. Yes it is steep as its name suggests, but well worth the walk!

Attractions

Lincoln Cathedral
Steep Hill
Museum of Lincolnshire Life
Royal Air Force Scampton Museum
Brayford Pool
Waterside Shopping Centre

How far is it?

From Eastfield Park : 16 miles From Sparrow Lane : 15miles