The village is situated on a plateau at the northern border of Northamptonshire, and has spectacular views overlooking the Welland Valley and the county of Rutland. It was originally the third largest village in Rockingham Forest, and although primarily an important agricultural village within the forest since the Middle Ages, the rich veins of ironstone in the surrounding land have played a vital part in the village's development
Iron currency bars from the Iron Age have been found, and the Romans also worked the ironstone deposits. There were ironworks here in Edward the Confessor's reign in the 11th century, when Gretton was a royal manor, and the industry came to the fore again from 1881 to 1980 providing ore for Corby's steel works.
Most of the earlier houses - a fair number dating from the 17th century - are built of local limestone, sometimes banded with darker ironstone and roofed with thatch or Collyweston slates.
Before the railway came in the 1870s, the village would have been almost totally self-sufficient. According to the parish rate book, in 1845 there were 2 butchers, 6 shopkeepers, 3 bakers, 1 miller, 3 blacksmiths, 4 shoemakers and 1 wheelwright, 1 cooper and 5 public houses. Inevitably, the numbers of tradesmen and shops have declined, although there are still 2 shops, 3 pubs, a sports club and numerous societies. The church and chapel are still active, the primary school is thriving, and the Silver Band that first gave musical entertainment in 1886 still plays.
Gretton is one of the few villages to retain its stocks and whipping post, which can be found on the village green. The last recorded use was in 1858 when a villager was put in the stocks for 6 hours after failing to pay a fine for drunkenness. Also on the village green is the War Memorial erected in 1925.
One village curiosity is the Jo Stone, which stands at the corner of Kirby Road and Corby Road, and is said to have been the stone on which local farmers struck a bargain.
Gretton Paddock Park, the 50th Pocket Park in Northamptonshire, was officially opened by Arnold Peters (Jack Woolley of 'The Archers') on 1st June 1996, and provides a peaceful haven for both the local wildlife and the people of Gretton. It stands in 2 acres of land opposite Gretton House, and contains a pond, butterfly garden, and a petanque (boules) pitch.
Although the main body of St. James Church dates back to the 11th century, the tower is 15th century. It is notable for its Norman arches, round pillars, and highly unusual irregular shaped east window. The chancel floor was raised at the eastern end in the 18th century to accommodate the vaults of the Hatton family of nearby Kirby Hall.
The churchyard has gravestones dating back to the 17th century. Immediately to the right of the porch are the tombs of the Rev. Abner Brown, and his wife and daughter. This 19th century vicar did much to improve the villagers' lives, being instrumental in setting up the first school, the allotment society, the fire brigade, and a lending library.
To the east of the graveyard is a granite memorial erected by the villagers to their unofficial district nurse, 'Reservoir Woods', who was born and brought up in a gypsy camp, and who died in 1911. Her knowledge of herbal remedies was said to be invaluable.
The Non-Conformist movement began in the village in 1786, and the present Baptist Church was consecrated in 1824. Parts of the attached schoolroom originate from wooden huts, lived in by railway construction workers in the 1870s.
In times past there were at least seven public houses in the village. Though a number of these have been converted into private dwellings, three still remain :
The upstairs was used by the village sportsmen as a changing room until the 1960s, when new facilities were built on the recreation ground.
There is a legend that James Chapple, a negro servant of Christopher, second Lord Hatton, became landlord of the Hatton Arms. This is based on the true story of how James Chapple rescued Sir Christopher and several members of his family after an explosion in the magazine of Castle Cornet in Guernsey, in 1672. He was rewarded with a pension of 20 pounds per year, which in those days was a considerable income. However, it seems unlikely that he became landlord as there is no mention of a James Chapple in the licenses from 1691 to 1706.
The pub was refurbished in 2004 and the Hatton Restaurant built onto the rear. The Hatton Arms web site provides details of available facilities.
It has changed little over the years, although in 1840, a license was refused as a result of its disorderley reputation, and the bad character of the landlady. The license has since been restored ! As a breakfast stop during the 1930s for the local quarry workers, the landlord, 'Tinker Joe', limited the meal to 2 pints ! Like many landlords of that time he had two jobs, and his name derived from his ability to repair kettles, saucepans and tools.
The buildings in Gretton provide a wide variety, ranging from the centuries-old 'Corner Cottage' in Arnhill Road, to a relatively modern housing estate on the south-east side of the village.
The Old School House, built in 1853, was the first purpose-built school in the village. The infants' classroom at the east end housed 70 children at times. The school operated until 1908 when the present school in Kirby Road was opened. Subsequently it was the village community centre before being converted into a private house in the 1970s.
Barn House, in High Street, is one of the few houses in the village which retains its thatch. In the 1940s there were about 40 thatched houses, now there are merely a handful.
Stoneleigh House, in High Street, was formerly the premises of parchment makers. Springs were fed under the house into ponds which were used for soaking and cleaning the skins. Remnants of the drying sheds and other buildings still exist at the rear.
Opposite the village green is a stone mullioned building, Tithe Farm, which has been considerably changed and extended, although for much of this century it was in a serious state of disrepair. In 1919 the district surveyor found it to be unfit for human habitation. To the rear of the farm is the Tithe Barn (rebuilt after being destroyed by a fire in 1983) which used to store the 10% of village produce that went to the church.
Caistor's Cottage, in Caistor Road, once a tiny cottage belonging to a shepherd called Castor.
The Post Office and Stores, in High Street, is part of a Victorian terrace called Pages Row. Formerly owned by a brewery, pigsties at the rear were rented out for sixpence a year. The Gretton Pig Club was in existence from 1875 until 1977.
Overlooking the village green is the former Gretton Stores. This was formerly the White Hart pub, which closed in 1931.
Stonycroft, in Station Road, is an 18th century cottage, with some narrow stone mullioned windows, and an interesting stonework panel over the door.
Gretton House, in High Street, is Georgian, but has a large neo-Jacobean addition of the 1880s. It was a family home until the Second World War, when it was requisitioned by the War Office as a military hospital. Following the war it became a convalescent home for employees of the Corby steel works. Since their closure it has been a home for people with learning difficulties.
Manor Farmhouse, in High Street, is a good example of banded ironstone and limestone, and has a datestone of 1675. Originally called Warren Farm, it overlooked Warren Field, which suggests that this was where the medieval manor obtained its rabbits.
The Old Vicarage, in Station Road, is 17th century with later additions, and was the vicarage until c.1830.
Gretton Primary School, in Kirby Road, with its impressive stone bell tower was built in 1908, together with the schoolmaster's house. It is still a thriving village school with 4 classes and over 100 children.
The 'Images of Gretton' page has been replaced with a brand new 'Glimpses of Gretton' page, which features 100 photographs of the village.
Click here to access the new feature, or click on one of the above 'Glimpses of Gretton' icons.
Please do come and support the fund raising for MacMillan Nurses on Sunday 24th August at Gretton Recreation Ground. The Gretton Association of Stickholders, Tin and Lightermen are taking on the Blue Bell Gretton Nine Irons in a charity cricket match. Support for the teams would be appreciated.
Following the match an auction and raffle will be held. Some lovely items have been donated and grateful thanks go to everyone who provided these goods. This annual charity day has run for many years, raising thousands of pounds for the MacMillan Nurses and providing a fun, entertaining social occasion....we hope to see you there.
Many charity organisations have house collections for unwanted items to help them raise money. Usually items are left out by the householder in plastic bags.
In Gretton recently bags have been stolen by unauthorised collectors. To make sure the charity organisations get the bags it is worth making alternative arrangements with them. If you suspect that bags are being taken by the wrong people please contact the police.
Miss Gretton is 20 year old Lucy Parkin and Gretton Princess is Sophie Redman-Baber aged 13. Sophie went on to win one of the Corby Canival Princess places at the Selection & Crowning Night of 7th March.
Passers-by will have recently noticed the enormous improvements made to the area surrounding the 'Jo' Stone, at the junction of Kirby Road and Corby Road. Thanks are due to Sam Crutchley for his time and effort in bringing about these improvements.
Click here for details of the tours available during 2008 from Gretton and the surrounding area.
Click here for the Gretton Branch of the surgery web site, with links to all aspects of the main Uppingham Surgery and its branches. On-line facilities are available for appointment bookings and cancellation, repeat prescription ordering and registration as a new patient.
We offer comfortable, spacious accommodation in an 18th century cottage. This self-contained first floor flat comprising one twin-bedded bedroom, separate shower room with toilet and washbasin, plus a large living room with equipped kitchenette, is available on a self-catering basis. An additional bed is available in the living room. Suitable as "overspill" for visitors to a local family event; for a relaxing break or for business working.
 Gretton Local History Society |
Welland Viaduct |
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| Gretton Silver Band |
Deene Park |
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| Northamptonshire People and Places |
Rockingham Castle |
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| UK + Ireland Genealogy - Northamptonshire | Kirby Hall |
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| Kettering Civic Society |
Rutland Water |
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| Rockingham Motor Speedway |
Katie Read - Gretton Singer and Songwriter |
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| The Hatton Arms - Gretton |
The Village Monthly- a community magazine |
Extracts from 'A Walk Through Time In Gretton' are reproduced by kind permission of the Gretton Local History Society and the Rockingham Forest Trust.
Please e-mail Maurice Kellner with your comments or suggestions
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| Pedi Paws |