Woolsthorpe Manor |
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The simple Lincolnshire farmhouse of Woolsthorpe Manor has one of the most famous apple trees in history within its walled garden. This tree is part of the original apple tree under which Sir Isaac Newton sat when a falling apple inspired his theory of gravity.
Woolsthorpe Manor was the birthplace and home of Sir Isaac Newton and is now a fascinating attraction with his sketches on the kitchen wall and plenty of interactive displays to demonstrate his scientific theories and inventions, such as the first reflecting telescope.
The first thing visitors are surprised to see is the simplicity of the house, which is laid out as it would have been after Newton's birth on Christmas Day 1642. It was the simple home
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The house is laid out in a simple T-shape and has stone-mullioned windows and thick walls, typical of a 17th century Lincolnshire manor house.
Isaac Newton was the son of a prosperous Lincolnshire sheep farmer who died before Isaac was even born. While his mother remarried and lived nearby, Isaac remained at Woolsthorpe and had a rather introverted childhood, being raised by his grandmother.
As a young adult, Newton left home in 1661 to attend Cambridge University, but returned in 1665 to escape the plague which was rife in Cambridge. During this two year period of enforced exile he made his most important discoveries in mathematics, optics, astronomy and the laws of motion.
Graffiti on the walls, some certainly by Newton himself, can be seen and the bedroom on the upper floor is laid out ready for his experiments, much as he left it. A portrait of him, painted by Thornhill, decorates one of the walls. Outside, old steps lead up to the hay loft and grain store and the old walled garden has now been restored.
Sir Isaac Newton was a
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He later became the President of the Royal Society, a fellowship of outstanding individuals who have contributed to the world of science, engineering and medicine.
The outbuildings at Woolsthorpe Manor have been put to good use for visitors and include a film theatre which depicts Newton's life. For historians, an early copy of Newton's Principia Mathematica is on display as part of an exhibition about his life. The Goat House is now a small shop and café.
Another building is used as a Science Discovery Centre - ideal for younger visitors who want to try some hands-on activities. Exhibits explain how the universe works and other questions which Newton must have pondered within these walls.
Visitors will enjoy seeing the herb garden and the surrounding fields with hens roaming freely. Rare breed Lincoln Longwool sheep continue to be raised here, just as they were in Newton's time when the farm was appropriately named "Woolsthorpe".
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Opening Times
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(2011 times)
5th - 13th March: Saturday and Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm. 16th March - 30th October: Wednesday - Sunday 11.00am - 5.00pm. Please Note: Open Bank Holiday Mondays and Good Friday 11.00am to 5.00pm. A system of timed tickets may be in operation at busy times. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2011 prices)
Gift Aid Admission (Standard Admission prices in brackets):Adult £6.40 (£5.81); Child £3.20 (£2.90); Family £16.00 (£14.54). |
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Directions
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Location: 8 miles south of Grantham, ½ mile north west of Colsterworth. Bus Services: Centrebus 608 Grantham-South Witham (passes close Grantham ). Cycling: View local cycle routes on the National Cycle Network website. By Road: At Woolsthorpe by Colsterworth, 8 miles south of Grantham (not to be confused with Woolsthorpe near Belvoir). Leave A1 southbound at B6403 Ancaster & Easton turn, or A1 northbound at Woolsthorpe turn. Follow brown signs then white National Trust signs to car park in Water Lane. From Melton follow B676 for Colsterworth and Bourne; 1 mile after Stainby turn left at white National Trust sign, then left into Water Lane. Sat Nav: enter NG33 5PD. By Train: Grantham 8 miles. On Foot: 1 mile by footpath from Colsterworth; 3 miles from the Viking Way, leaving Sewstern Lane near Buckminster. Ordnance Survey Reference: 130:SK924244 |
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Woolsthorpe Manor Postcode for SatNav: NG33 5PD |
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