The History of Hemswell and our Village Hall

Hemswell

Aerial photographs uncovered evidence that an ancient medieval settlement once stood on the edge of the present-day village. With some of these medieval settlement remains still surviving as earthworks, such as crop markings and hollow ways, ditched enclosures, embankments and foundations of buildings that indicate the existence of crofts.

In the Domesday Book Hemswell is written as “Helmeswelle”, and confirmed as a settlement of 37 households, which before 1086 was under the Lordship of Earl Edwin. In 1086 it included arable and pasture, with the greater part belonging to the king.

18th-century enclosure maps indicate that Hemswell was once a larger settlement area than exists today, particularly in the Beck Lane area. The siting of a second medieval church on these maps suggests that Hemswell was once not one, but two adjacent settlements.

During the 19th century the village was for most purposes self-sufficient, hosting a wide-range of local services, businesses and community facilities, including a grocer, drapers, miller, butcher; carpenter; tailor; dressmaker; a village school; three places of worship (one Anglican and two Methodist), veterinary surgeon; and blacksmith.

Changing times have seen many of these traditional trades and services disappear, and the three places of worship reduced to one, with the two Methodist chapels ceasing to operate.

Most of the village is now residential with the only exceptions being All Saints Church, the Village Hall, the Butcher Nook Club, the children’s playground, and the local cemetery.