North Wingfield is situated in the county of Derbyshire, England and is 4 miles south east of Chesterfieldabout 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.
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
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
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 nativevillage and kept a horse near his father's house,
allowing the local children to ride upon it
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'.
