Northwingfield

THE VILLAGE OF NORTH WINGFIELD

North Wingfield
is situated in the county of Derbyshire, England and is 4 miles south east of Chesterfield about 25 miles north of Derby
The village contains the former hamlets of Hepthorne Lane, Hillyfields, Highfields and Church Hill. The Hepthorne Lane area is still called by its name by locals, as is the Highfields area
The River Rother flows by,also the midland main rail line to London and the M1 moterway junction 29 is just a couple of miles away .
The 2001 census revealed ( the census ) there was a population of 5.500 The population is at the present time off 6,318
The most dominent feature is the All St church of St Lawrence commanding a hill site overlooking northwards to the upprmost reaches of the River Rother its magnificent C15 tower is 80 feet high and is a well known landmark around the area
During the domseday book survey in 1806 the parish of Northwingfield was known has "Winnefelt"
The manor of Northwingfield was then in the possesion of " Walter De Ayncourt" the name was later shortened to "Diencourt" .Which is now used
by the secondary school
Located in the former coalfields, the village was served by several collieries for most of its recent history. Now, partly due to its location near to the M1 motorway and its three schools, the village has experienced an influx of residents in recent years, with many housing developments having taken place.

St Lawrence church

The Domsday Survey revealed that North Wingfield had a church in 1086

but no part of that building as survived.Major building workwas done in the 12 century,

and the old font and the archway in the north aisle date from this time.

Rebuilding in the 15th century created the church as we know today.

The tower and the rood stair date from this Restoration was done

in 1860 including the rebuilding of the the south aisle

click here for more photo's

Close to the church is the l5th century Blue Bell inn, It was originally the chantry house and
is now a public house and restaurant. It is rumoured that a tunnel leads from the inn to the church
and the inn is also believed to be haunted Apparitions carrying young children are seen
during the winter months

link to the church site etc

The Momorial which honourd the memory of the men of North Wingfield
who laid down their lives in the Great War of 1914-1919 and the
World War 11 1939-1945

Harry Torrani

From a butchers boy to a music hall megastar the amazing career of "Harry Hopkinson"
He was born in North Wingfield at the turn of the last century in Little Morton cottages
which are now demolished. when married he lived in a house oposite the Miners Welfare
His stage name was "HARRY TORRANI" and he recorded 51 tracks
He traveled to many parts of the world, even receiving a large jewelled ring from an Empress
of the Middle East who was much impressed with his yodeling act, indeed his yodeling records
have become much sought after record collectors' items. For all his fame, Harry's
character never changed. He always kept in touch with his native village and kept a horse near his father's house,
allowing the local children to ride upon it

He passed away in 1977 at the age of 77

to download more imformation click here pdf file
or click on this link to read

click on picture to enlarge

Harry at Austin Layton 1920's

Alice Barnett

Alice Barnett ran the local fish and chip shop for 35 years
and had such a good reputation for her for money food and kindlines
That the local council decided to name a development of bungalows
or the elderly after her, calling it `Alice's View'.