Introducing the Local History

Sprawled upon Hucknall under Huthwaite

Situated in the East Midlands region at heart of England, Huthwaite is uniquely sited upon Nottinghamshires highest natural terrain. A plaque atop area called Strawberry Bank sets official record height when measured at 201 meters above sea level. Our local history was however more interested in the larger town of Sutton-in-Ashfield, among whose parish boundaries Huthwaite emerged keeping close ties. Sharing village borders edging ancient county, its Sherwood Forest and ruling districts, this location with its various name changes can also light some pathways back into darker times when Huthwaite was first founded.

Finding commanding views overlooking adjacent Derbyshire has raised various local claims for these Huthwaite heights firstly siting some type of fortification. Earliest recorded names from which to better indicate any recogniseable settlement only started appearing from the 13th century. Accepted translations derived off those spellings giving Hodweit and Hothweit are confirmed in sharing Anglo Saxon origins influenced by later Viking tongues. These aptly described a simple farmstead, sited within a forested clearing upon a prominent land spur.

While rural populations gradually increased so in time did our documented history. Keeping very close ties with the town of Sutton-in-Ashfield, Huthwaite formed a secondary township inside that established parish rule. Domesday Book did record Sutone, but alongside Schegebi both then being classed outliers to the larger overruling Mamesfelde Manor. Included upon those lands of the king Huthwaite later appeared. Remotely stood furthest west bordering county and district in Brocolvestov Wapentac, before found renamed Hucknall Huthwaite.

Frequent name changes confused many historic understandings before adding difficulty for genealogy students. The additional references towards Hucknall fluctuate between various records to include Hucknall Huthwaite, Dirty Hucknall and Huthwaite-under-Huthwaite. All repeatedly holding periods of favour apparently based upon an older so named district. The alternating titles again resulting from inconsistent documentation eventually help indicate evolving status. Through hamlet, villa and township it emerged into 19th century modern history as a small rural village, more often and officially recorded Hucknall-under-Huthwaite.

Valueable timbers and prized wild game afforded heavy royal protection when edging past coverage of the Sherwood Forest. This could have stunted earlier developments, yet these less fertile meadows struggled enough sustaining the poorest families. Excavating clay, stone and coal added range to the labouring work, until regional dependency fell onto 18th century industrial support who introduced more framework knitting machines. A windmill witnessed advent of powered industry that turned through water into revolutionary steam power. Quickly massing the old cottage industry into largest factories, they built regional reputation for hosiery manufacturing having suitably employed an increasing majority.

Centuries earlier finds accessible coal seams being worked along Derbyshire borders. From adjacent Blackwell pits it could be carted through Huthwaite, where additional small bell pits assisted fueling furnaces and malting kilns at Mansfield. That important market town was however soon being starved due the limitation found transporting bulk loads. While demand for that Black Gold quickly grew across this industrious East Midlands region, new canals extended invaluable waterways networking the country. Pinxton wharf gave nearest canal access, from where Derbyshire mining distributed its available coals. Innovation did connect the Mansfield market by construction of a tram road. An Old Hucknall colliery added its branched rail tracks which introduced steam powered haulage into Huthwaite. Then with engines for hauling and pumping ever deeper richer Nottinghamshire mines came the larger modern collieries. Sinking the New Hucknall Colliery proved without doubt the biggest single reason why Huthwaite prospered, as that built up its own thriving mining community.

Notable support appears through local history having titled Dukes of Portland assigned Lord of our Manor.   Their Welbeck residency finds subsequent generosity aiding village developments that progressed rapidly through 19th into 20th century.   Encouragement offered by pit managers built new pit homes, leisure amenities and church aid for a fast growing work force.   Connection onto basic utility services with new schools, library and parks added to a diverse array of shops all helped support a healthier community.   Links with supporting towns of Sutton, Mansfield and Nottingham continued upon improving roads after a train station and tram terminus gave better public transport.   Recognising individual prosperity the separate Parish and Urban District Council rights were awarded this town when called Hucknall Huthwaite. Elected councillors officially renamed it in 1907, allowing them to reclaim original simpler reference accepted todate addressing Huthwaite, Notts.

Todays large village is represented by Sutton West Ward in the Ashfield District under a Nottinghamshire County Council.   Tributes do provide historic reminders of a long proud heritage before new millennium years finally lost trace from our landscape of its prosperous mining industry.   Old hosiery trades even faded out losing supportive employment that further dropped fallen community spirits.   Hopes rely again our location can help rebuild future communities, this time advantaged by modern transport on faster motorways. Midland distribution entices factories and warehouses into Fulwood, potentially adding future employment.

Huthwaite still provides alternatives though. Tranquility can be obtained surrounded by quieter rural meadows.   Scenic views encourage major growth in some popular local leisure and sports pursuits. Frequently utilised by many residents these now bring regular visitor attention.   Some homes may offer cheaper residential options, while commuters by car can easily reach most urban areas.   Working families have been attracted into expanding several housing development schemes, away from crowded towns and expensive cities.

Produced 07 May 03 © Revised 02 Mar 07