Retford

Retford is a town on the River Idle, in the Nottinghamshire, England district of Bassetlaw. It is often known as East Retford, although this is somewhat confusing as West Retford (the original settlement) is now a suburb of the town.

Related Topics:
Town - River Idle - Nottinghamshire - England - Bassetlaw

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The town was largely destroyed by a fire in 1528, but prospered after the Great North Road was diverted to run through it in 1766 and the East Coast Main Line and Chesterfield Canal was built to run through Retford.

Related Topics:
1528 - Great North Road - 1766 - East Coast Main Line - Chesterfield Canal

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It gets its name from an ancient ford crossing through the river Idle which runs through the town.

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Retford gained its first charter in 1246, when Henry III granted the right for a fair, this was later extended to holding a Saturday Market by Edward I in 1275.

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In the Market Square there is an Ornate French Inspired Victorian Town Hall, in front of which is a Broad Stone. Legend says it had a hollow in it that used to be filled with vinegar during plague times to disinfect coins.

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Just across from the Market Square is the Cannon Square which has St Swithun's Church and a Cannon Captured from the Russians during the Battle of Sebastopol at the end of the Crimean War in 1855.

Related Topics:
Sebastopol - Crimean War

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The Victoria Cross is made from another cannon captured during this battle

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