Pictures of Harringworth

About Harringworth

The pretty village of Harringworth is dominated by the graceful arches of the Harringworth Viaduct. The viaduct is a stretch of almost 3/4 of a mile, has 82 arches, and is 70ft high. It was built in the romantic age of steam to carry the former Midland Railway across the picturesque Welland valley.

Village history goes back in the mists of time, it must have been a place of some importance for it was recorded in the Doomsday Book, but the village was then known as Harringeworde. The manor of Harringworth was owned by William de Cantelope, but late in the 13th-century it passed into the hands of the La Zouche family who eventually sold it to Francis Foxley, who at the same time, bought Bulwick from Lord Zouche. When Francis died he left his estates divided between his nine children. Harringworth was sold into the hands of Moses Tyron who lived in the manor until his death in 1652. By the time of the 18th-century there was no land-owning family prepared to take the Manor House and it fell into a state of disrepair and was finally demolished without trace save for a fishpond. It is said that Manor Cottages contain a small part of the original manor.

By the time of the 13th-century, the beautiful Norman church dedicated to St.John the Baptist was one of the largest churches in the county. It is built of mellow stone, with a short tower of the 12th-century topped by a broach spire of 14th-century date. The church has many Romanesque features, beautiful windows and a host of historic treasures. It sits securely in a peaceful grassed churchyard watching over the graves and tombs of centuries. It is a lovely place of worship and well worth seeing.

In the village you can see the 16th-century White Swan. It is a former coaching inn with a great atmosphere and many original interior and exterior features. From here there are excellent views towards the Welland Viaduct.

Harringworth is a peaceful, serene village surrounded by unspoilt countryside. It has beautiful cottages, some thatched and lovely green open spaces. It is the English countryside at its very best. However, as with everyone who visits this special corner of England, the abiding memory will be the spectacular viaduct marching across gentle pastures, and the idyllic reeded banks and water-meadows of the enchanting River Welland.

This is lovely walking and fishing country, ideal for that special weekend away from the pressures of every day life.