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Bilsthorpe is an ex-mining community set in the rural heartland of North Nottinghamshire. With a population of over 3,000 Bilsthorpe is an expanding but thriving community.
Since the closure of the coal mine here in Bilsthorpe, the village has seen a significant downturn in industustry and jobs,but with such a vibrant and enthusiastic community, the village of Bilsthorpe is a hive of activity.
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.
