Tuxford - History

History

Tuxford has formerly been known as Tuxford in the Clays, Tuckers Ford, and in the Domesday Book as Tuxfarne.

The Church of England parish church of St Nicholas dates from the 12th century. Tuxford also has a Methodist church, whose current building was erected for another Free church in 1841.

Tuxford's local library is housed in a 17th century building that was originally the Read Grammar School. The school was founded in 1669 by the bequest of Charles Read (1604–1669), who was born at Darlton about 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) from Tuxford, and became a wealthy shipper in Kingston upon Hull. Read also founded grammar schools at Corby Glen in Lincolnshire and Drax in Yorkshire. Read Grammar School in Tuxford closed in either 1912 or 1915. The building served for a time as a child welfare centre before becoming the local library.

Tuxford has a village lock-up: one of only three in Nottinghamshire. Built in 1823 it stands on the village green in Newcastle Street. It has two separate cells, one each for men and women, each with its own earth closet. Ventilation to each cell is via two circular holes, with iron bars on the front and back walls. In 1884 an extension was added to the back of the lock-up to house Tuxford's fire engine. Early maps show that also behind the lock-up was the village pinfold, which remained in use until the 1920s.

Dominion Steel and Coal Corporation (Dosco) make mining equipment in the village.

Tuxford Windmill is a tower windmill, built in 1820 and restored to working order between 1982 and 1993. It is open to visitors daily except Tuesdays throughout the year. The mill with its large white sails dominates Tuxford's skyline. The mill produces flour which is sold from the mill shop. The mill bakery produces cakes, soups & rolls. A wooden post mill once stood close by. It was moved from Grassthorpe in 1874, continued working until about 1926 and was demolished in 1950.

Stone Road End Mill was a brick-built four-storey tower windmill, built before 1840. The mill was out of use by 1906 and now only the 38 foot high tower remains.