Corby Glen - History

History

The Church of England parish church of Saint John the Evangelist dates in part from the 12th century and has a notable collection of 14th and 15th century murals. Corby Glen's other Christian congregations are the Roman Catholic church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and a Methodist chapel.

In 1238 King Henry III chartered a weekly market and an annual sheep fair. The sheep fair has continued ever since, and is claimed to be the longest-established such event in Britain.

The Willoughby Memorial Library and Art Gallery is housed in a 17th century building that was originally Reads Grammar School. The school was founded in 1669 by the bequest of Charles Read (1604-1669), who was born at Darlton in Nottinghamshire and became a wealthy shipper in Hull. Read also founded grammar schools at Tuxford in Notts. and Drax in Yorkshire. Reads Grammar School in Corby Glen closed in 1909. The building was restored and reopened for its current uses in 1965.

In 1852 the Great Northern Railway opened the East Coast Main Line near Corby Glen. In 1853 the GNR opened Corby Glen railway station on the main line about 1 mile (1½ kilometres) from the village. Corby Glen was served by local trains between Peterborough and Grantham. In July 1938 the London and North Eastern Railway locomotive Mallard passed through Corby Glen on the way to achieving its world speed record for a steam locomotive a few miles further south at Stoke Bank. British Railways closed Corby Glen station in 1959 and its yard is now occupied by a sawmill.