Barlborough

Lying close to the county borders with both Nottinghamshire and Yorkshire, this village still retains its manor house. Lying just north of the village centre, Barlborough Hall (now a school) was built in 1584 by Lord Justice Francis Rodes to plans drawn up by the designer of Hardwick Hall, Robert Smythson. Those who visit both houses will notice the strong resemblance. As well as building houses, Rodes was also one of the judges at the trial of Mary, Queen of Scots. The Hall is supposed to be haunted by a grey lady, said to be the ghost of a bride who received the news of her groom’s death as she was on her way to the village church. Barlborough Hall should not be confused with Barlborough Old Hall: this is an easy mistake to make as Barlborough Old Hall is actually the younger of the two! Built in 1618, as the date stone over the front door states, the Old Hall is of a large H-plan design and has mullioned windows. Today it is a private residence.

Although there is a lot of new development, particularly around Barlborough Links, the village also boasts some fine old stone houses with pantile roofs. The Parish Church of St James dates from the beginning of the 13th century, though it was heavily restored in 1899. Among the medieval work extant is the four-bay north arcade. The church contains the effigy of a grieving woman, said to be Lady Furnival, who died in 1395. The monument was probably brought here from Worksop, where she is buried.

The Market Cross, which stands in the High Street, bears testimony to the fact that this was an important place at one time - a centre of trade for the surrounding area.