Retford and District Historical and Archaeological Society’s new programme of talks for the 2025-26 season starts on Wednesday 10th September, when Stuart Rose will explain the farming system, landscape and architecture of Laxton.
This is sure to be a fascinating talk, as Laxton has a unique agricultural system that functions according to rules established in mediaeval times. The three open fields contain strips worked by farmers of the village, tenants of the Crown Estate, under the jurisdiction of the Court Leet. The court ensures that the three-year crop rotation continues and that the boundaries of the strips are maintained.
Laxton has approximately 100 dwellings and a church that dates to the late 12th century, containing a number of interesting tombs. To the north of the village lies the mound of a motte-and-bailey castle, where the remains of fishponds can also be seen.
The talk commences at 7.30pm in the Sanctuary at Grove Street Methodist Chapel, Retford.
New members are very welcome – annual membership, starting in September, is £10.00 and covers all nine meetings to May 2026. Non-members are charged £3.00 per meeting.