Scrooby

Settlement in Nottinghamshire Bassetlaw

England

Scrooby

"The King William", Scaftworth Credit: Neil Theasby

Scrooby is a small village located in the county of Nottinghamshire, England. It is situated approximately 30 miles north of Nottingham and 8 miles west of Retford. The village is part of the Bassetlaw district and falls within the civil parish of Scrooby.

Historically, Scrooby played an important role in the development of the Pilgrim Fathers. In the early 17th century, a group of Separatists, who were seeking religious freedom, held clandestine meetings in Scrooby Manor. These meetings eventually led to their migration to the Netherlands and later, the founding of Plymouth Colony in North America. Scrooby Manor, unfortunately, no longer stands, but its significance is commemorated by a plaque in the village.

Present-day Scrooby is a picturesque village with a population of around 200 residents. It is known for its tranquil atmosphere, charming cottages, and scenic countryside. The village features a mixture of architectural styles, including traditional English cottages and Georgian houses.

Despite its small size, Scrooby offers some amenities to its residents and visitors. These include a village hall, a church, a pub, and a primary school. The village also hosts various community events throughout the year, such as summer fairs and Christmas celebrations, which foster a strong sense of community spirit.

Scrooby's location in the heart of the Nottinghamshire countryside makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking peaceful surroundings. The village is surrounded by rolling farmland, providing ample opportunities for countryside walks and exploration.

In summary, Scrooby is a charming village in Nottinghamshire that holds historical significance as the birthplace of the Pilgrim Fathers. With its picturesque setting and close-knit community, it offers a peaceful retreat for residents and visitors alike.

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Scrooby Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 53.409779/-1.020004 or Grid Reference SK6590. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

"The King William", Scaftworth

Neil Theasby

On Theaker Lane, Scaftworth

Neil Theasby

St Wilfridâs Church Pew

Scrooby was the home of William Brewster, one of the leaders of the movement, popularly known as The Pilgrim Fathers, which separated itself from the established church and fled first to Leiden Holland 1608 and then to Plymouth New England 1612 on the Mayflower. The oak pew in the picture is referred to as “Brewster’s Pew”. Considering that Brewster was a separatist, the title is probably honorary rather than real. St Wilfrid’s Church fell into disrepair and was restored in 1864. Because of the Pilgrim Fathers interest, Americans bought the old font. As a resident of Scrooby and regular church goer in the 1950s, I was also led to believe that Americans bought the remainder of the old pews in return for funding the repair of the church roof.

Pete Marrison

Junction of Gibbet Hill Lane with the A614

Neil Theasby

Bridge over The River Ryton north of Scrooby

The bridge carries the A638 - still referred to locally as The Great North Road.

Neil Theasby

Bridge over a side channel of The River Ryton

It is possible that at some time in the past this side channel was created via human intervention in order to power the nearby mill at Scrooby.

Neil Theasby

The River Ryton

Seen from Mill Lane Bridge just north of Scrooby

Neil Theasby

Saracens Lane - former railway crossing

West of Scrooby. A railway used to run along here to Harworth Colliery. Now it seems to be the domain of galloping horses though none thundered by as I stopped to take this picture.

Neil Theasby

"The Pilgrim Fathers" public house, Scrooby

Once it was known as "The Saracen's Head" and the track that runs next to it is still called Saracens Lane. The new name recognises the village's seventeenth century links with the voyage of "The Mayflower" and with the so-called pilgrims who sailed in her to New England.

Neil Theasby

Memorial to two friends

On the night of January 16th 2010, two young friends died at this spot when their car left the road and plunged into The River Ryton. The circumstances remain a mystery. Their names were Emily Haith and Lizzie Ternent aged eighteen and twenty respectively.

Neil Theasby

Shadows on Church Lane, Scrooby

The main shadow is of the north gate to St Wilfrid's churchyard.

Neil Theasby

Chapel Lane, Scrooby

Neil Theasby

Pilgrim Fathers Caravan and Camping Park, Scrooby

On Saracens Lane

Neil Theasby

Field view at Gibbet Hill

Neil Theasby

Signpost at Scrooby

Marking four hundred years since The Pilgrim Fathers set sail for Massachusetts (1620-2020). Scrooby has long been associated with this episode in American history being the original home of William Bradford - one of the mission's leaders. Incidentally someone appears to have made an error with regard to the distance to Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Neil Theasby

St Wilfrid's Church, Scrooby

The 13th century limestone church with its tall early 15th century tower and steeple is Scrooby's most noteworthy building. It was this church that one of the leading "pilgrim fathers" - William Brewster turned his back on ahead of his famous voyage on "The Mayflower" to New England, USA in the autumn of 1620. Brewster is buried in the suburbs of Boston, Massachusetts.

Neil Theasby