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A Journey Through Bestwood Village’s History
1. Ancient Origins & Royal Hunting Grounds
Bestwood’s story stretches back thousands of years—with Neolithic artifacts unearthed in the area, hinting at early human activity southwellchurches.nottingham.ac.uk+13nottshistory.org.uk+13Francis Frith+13. In medieval times, Bestwood lay within the famed Sherwood Forest and served as a royal hunting preserve for monarchs and the local elite Nottinghamshire County Council+2internetcurtains.blogspot.com+2.
2. Royal Gift & the Legend of Nell Gwyn
In the 17th century, King Charles II granted Bestwood Park to his mistress Nell Gwyn and their son, the 1st Duke of St Albans. A charming legend suggests Charles said he’d give her “all the land she could ride around before breakfast”—and she cleverly traced that boundary with handkerchiefs nottshistory.org.uk+7Nottinghamshire County Council+7Wikipedia+7.
3. Farming to Victorian Glamour
By the early 1800s, the area had transitioned into agricultural land with about 13 tenant farms within Bestwood Park Nottinghamshire County Council+1. But its transformation accelerated under the 10th Duke, William Beauclerk. Between 1862–65, he demolished the medieval lodge and commissioned architect S.S. Teulon to build the magnificent Gothic-style Bestwood Lodge, along with Alexandra Lodge (the grand entrance) and Emmanuel Church YouTube+13Nottinghamshire County Council+13internetcurtains.blogspot.com+13.
4. Coal, Iron & the Rise of Bestwood Village
In 1875, the Duke established the Bestwood Coal & Iron Company (BC&IC). The company sunk the colliery and later added ironworks (1881 onward), crafting a thriving industrial village complete with miners' housing, offices, a school, and a welfare institute Wikipedia+1.
The colliery achieved a remarkable milestone—becoming the first in the world to produce one million tons of coal in a single year Nottinghamshire County Council+1.
Miners’ terraces along Park Road, St Albans Road, and The Square, along with the distinctive colliery office clock tower, still stand in what is now a conservation area internetcurtains.blogspot.com+3Wikipedia+3THE TEARS OF A CLOWN+3.
5. Industrial Legacy & Transport
Bestwood’s industrial era also brought a railway station on the Great Northern Railway (opened 1882), though it closed to passengers by 1931 and to goods by 1958 Wikipedia+2fbcp.org.uk+2.
Moreover, the stunning Bestwood Pumping Station—built between 1871–74 to supply Nottingham with water—still dominates the skyline in its Venetian Gothic style, complete with a disguised chimney tower Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2.
6. War & Transition
During both World Wars, the village played its part. In WWI it was a target for Zeppelin raids due to the colliery's importance; in WWII, Bestwood Lodge served as headquarters for Northern Command. After Dunkirk, it even provided respite for evacuated soldiers Nottinghamshire County Council.
Post-war, mining continued under nationalisation, but the colliery was eventually closed in 1967, and ironworks shut down too Wikipedia. The winding engine house was preserved and now stands as a reminder of Bestwood’s industrial roots, with restored machinery and public tours Wikipedia+2Wikipedia+2.
7. From Industry to Oasis
In 1973, Nottinghamshire and Gedling councils transformed the former industrial and military lands into Bestwood Country Park—a vast 650-acre natural sanctuary with trails, restored buildings, and a café Wikipedia+1.
Today, the village retains a vibrant community spirit. You’ll find walking clubs (like parkrun), the Bestwood Male Voice Choir, the Black Diamonds Brass Band (since 1947), and other local groups keeping history alive Wikipedia.
8. Modern Day Bestwood Village
Since April 2018, Bestwood Village has been a civil parish with over 2,200 residents (2021) Wikipedia. While its identity as a colliery town remains, many recognize it today as a more affluent, residential part of Nottingham’s northern area. Green spaces like Mill Lakes and Country Park, as well as historical landmarks, continue to charm locals and visitors alike Wikipedia+1.