Our History
While North Newington may seem like a quiet village today, its history stretches back centuries, intertwined with the larger story of Broughton and the surrounding Oxfordshire landscape.
Although specific records of North Newington's earliest days are scarce, we know it was once considered a township within the broader parish of Broughton. This connection remains evident today, as North Newington still falls under the ecclesiastical parish of St Mary the Virgin in Broughton, with the parish church located on the grounds of Broughton Castle about a mile to the south.
More information is also available on Julian’s Wordpress site.
One of the most intriguing glimpses into North Newington's past can be found at Park Farm House. This historic building features architectural elements that date back to the 14th or 15th century, suggesting a long and perhaps prosperous history for the site.
Adding to the historical significance of Park Farm is a 17th-century circular dovecote, a reminder of a time when such structures were essential for providing food and fertilizer. You can explore more about Broughton Castle and its history on their official website https://www.broughtoncastle.com/
Over the centuries, North Newington has seen its share of changes. In the 19th century, a village school was established in 1853, now known as Bishop Carpenter Church of England Primary School.
This institution has served as a cornerstone of the community, educating generations of North Newington children. The school celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2003, marking the occasion with a special event that invited former pupils to share their memories and contribute to a village history project.
Like many villages in England, North Newington has a pub with a long history. The Baker's Arms, a 17th-century public house, continues to serve the community, though it currently operates under the name "The Blinking Owl."
Sadly, another 17th-century pub, the Roebuck, has since been converted into a private residence. These establishments likely witnessed countless gatherings, celebrations, and everyday moments that shaped the social fabric of the village.
History (from 1444 to 1851)
According to Foreman, at some point Thomas COBB of North Newington developed the first continuous paper maker, then failed to capitalise upon it (Foreman, 1893, 71)
In 1444 it was called Colles Mill (Foreman, 1983, pg 113)
Shakespear’s “Henry VI,” Part 2 , in which Jack Cade says to Lord Saye: “thou hast built a paper mill.” is sometimes cited as evidence of a papermill dating to the rebellion Cade led in 1450, or at least to the late 16th C. The quote has sometimes been connected with North Newton Mill. Whilst Lord Saye certaily has connections with this area (there is even an inn that bears the name in nearby Broughton, Oxon.), I have as yet found no evidence to support this.
The burial, on 12 July 1677, of one John FARDON of North Newington, Oxon., is registered in the records of the Banbury Quaker meeting. The Will of John FARDON alias VARDON Yeoman of North Newton, Oxfordshire’, proved in 1677, left a farm in Wooton Wawen, Warks., to his son Richard FARDON and his farm in North Newington, Oxon., together with a papermill in Wootton Wawen, Warks., to his son Thomas FARDON, a good Quaker. (anonymous posting on Roots Web, possibly by Peter Fewson). Thomas was probably the Thomas FARDON (1658-1731) of North Newington, baker and malster (Milton, The Ashbys of Tyso).
In 1684 the corn mill was converted to paper production (Foreman, 1983, pg 113)
Between 1687 and 1689 Nathaniel and Michael HUTTON rented the Newington mill in succession. They were almost certainly connected with the HUTTON papermakers fromDeddington, Oxfordshire (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.), who were based at the Adderbury Grounds Mill.
On 16 Jun 1704 the Broughton with North Newington provide their sole reference to papermaking prior to 1813: ‘RINGSLEY John son of John , paperman’. At this time the recording of a profession in the register was exceptional so RINGSLEY’s occupation or status must have been noteworthy.
In 1753 the Banbury marriage register mentions a William ELKINS, paper-maker of North Newington (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
In 1760 John JONES occupied the paper-mill and its closes; (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
On 24 Dec 1791 Lewis JONES of North Newton, Oxon.,. papermaker, was declared backrupt (cert: 12 Jun 1792, div: 27 Jul 1792, 17 May 1793) (Maxted, 2008)
In 1801, John GAUTHERN, paper-moulder of North Newington, died (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
In 1816 the paper-manufacturer was William EMBERLIN (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
In 1805 Thomas Cobb was the owner (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
In 1809 the Will of Edward CHARLES Papermaker of North Newington, Oxon, was proved in the Court of Oxford (National Archives IR 26/398)
In 1833 the mill was put up for action, at which time there were 4 engines for rags, a paper-making machine, and steam-drying apparatus. (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
On the 1851 Census the following papermaker’s families were listed at ‘Paper Mill’ in the Hamlet of North Newington:
William SELLARS; SELLARS was employing 5 men.
William KING, not employing anyone.
The other paper making connections in the village were:
A married woman, Charlotte GIBBS, living with four children and no sign of her husband.
William HARDING, aged 40, Papermaker, birthplace not given, Elizabeth HARDING his wife, who was born in Lurgashal or Langished?, Sussex, one child.
The family of Joseph KIRBY, aged 75, Pauper Paper Maker, born Corner Hall, Herts.
The family of Edward MORBEY, aged 62, Pauper Paper Maker, born Bladon, Oxon.
The 1851 Census recorded 2 paper-makers, one employing 5 men, and another two. (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
Between 1854 and 1869, Mrs. Rebecca SELLERS was described as a paper-maker at North Newington mill . Her family had been tenants of the Hazelford papermill, (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
The 1854 Post Office Directory (pg 715) gives Sellers, Mrs R. as Paper Manufacturer at North Newington, Banbury.
In the 1860s the rental was about £60 (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
About 1870 the present mill-building was constructed (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.) and at about that time William SELLERS enlarged and reconstructed the mill-house was (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
By 1887 Alfred SELLERS, had converted the mill into a bonefactory to supply his artificial manure business (Lobel & Crossley, 1969, n.p.).
The mill had ceased operation by 1920. (fn. 256)
During during World War 1 the mill reverted to a water-corn-mill (Foreman, 1983, pg 113)
While much of North Newington's history remains to be fully uncovered, dedicated individuals and local historians continue to piece together the fascinating story of this charming village.
Through their efforts, combined with resources like the Victoria County History of Oxfordshire we can gradually gain a deeper appreciation for the rich heritage of North Newington and its place within the broader tapestry of English history.
Papermakers
The SELLERS family
On the 1851 Census they were living at Paper Mill in the Hamlet of North Newington and the family comprised
William SELLERS, Head, Mar, Age 57, Paper Maker Emply 5 men, born Broughton, Oxon.
Rebecca SELLERS, Wife, Mar, Age 46, , born Broughton, Oxon.
Alfred SELLERS, Son, U, Age 22, Paper maker [‘son’ struck through], born Broughton, Oxon.
Rebecca SELLERS, Daur, , Age 8, Scholar, born Broughton, Oxon.
Sophia SELLERS, Daur, , Age 8, Scholar, born Broughton, Oxon.
Servant
The KING family
On the 1851 Census they were living at Paper Mill in the Hamlet of North Newington and the family comprised
Reubin KING, Head, Mar, Age 45, Paper Maker, born Dover, Kent.
Rebecca KING, Wife, Mar, Age 52, , born Swalecliffe, Oxon.
Joseph KING, Son, U, Age 23, Shoe Maker, born Swalecliffe, Oxon.
Sarah KING, Dau, U, Age 13, Scholar, born N Newington, Oxon.
William KING, Son, U, Age 10, Scholar, born N Newington, Oxon.
Mary Ann KING, Dau, U, Age 7, , born N Newington, Oxon.
Casualties with “North Newington” in their next-of-kin details
TYNE COT CEMETERY, Zonnebeke, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium - CARTER, Gunner, E D, 107893, “C” Bty. 162nd Bde., Royal Field Artillery. 12 December 1917. Age 24. Son of Mrs. Ellen Carter, of Fletcher House, North Newington, Banbury. Grave Ref. XVI. H. 20.
YPRES (MENIN GATE) MEMORIAL, Ieper, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium - MARSHALL, Lance Corporal, FRANK WILLIAM, 9631, “D” Coy. 1st Bn., Gloucestershire Regiment. 1 November 1914. Age 20. Son of Joseph Marshall, of North Newington, Banbury, Oxon. Panel 22 and 34.
COVENTRY, COUNTY BOROUGH, Warwickshire, Civilian War Dead - CLUTTERBUCK, Civilian, FRANK, Civilian War Dead. 14 November 1940. Age 54. of 45 Caludon Road. Son of Thomas and Annie Clutterbuck, of North Newington, Banbury, Oxfordshire; husband of Ellen Clutterbuck. Died at Caludon Road.
NAVES COMMUNAL CEMETERY EXTENSION, Nord, France - WELBANK, Gunner, J W, 179663, “D” Bty. 286th Bde., Royal Field Artillery. 11 October 1918. Husband of C. Welbank, of North Newington, Banbury, Oxon. Grave Ref. II. C. 4.
VARENNES MILITARY CEMETERY, Somme, France - CLUTTERBUCK, Private, ARTHUR, 37712, 5th Bn., Royal Berkshire Regiment. 5 April 1918. Age 23. Son of Thomas Henry and Ann Clutterbuck, of North Newington, Banbury, Oxon. Grave Ref. I. L. 12.
BERLIN 1939-1945 WAR CEMETERY, Berlin, Berlin, Germany - DODSON, Flying Officer (Air Gnr.) HERBERT LESLIE GEORGE, 130916, D F M, 83 Sqdn., Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve. 20 January 1944. Age 25. Son of Herbert and Edith Annie Dodson; husband of Joan A. Dodson, of North Newington, Oxfordshire. Grave Ref. 5. K. 10.
AMARA WAR CEMETERY, Iraq - GASCOIGNE, Private, FREDERICK, 23280, 6th Bn., King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment). 2 July 1916. Age 30. Son of James Edward and Mary Gascoigne, of North Newington, Banbury, Oxon; husband of Eva Jane Gascoigne, of The Nurses Home, St. Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. Grave Ref. XI. D. 13.
ASSISI WAR CEMETERY, Italy - HANCOCK, Private, JOHN WILLIAM, 5392022, 2nd Bn., Somerset Light Infantry. 23 June 1944. Age 21. Son of John Tustain Hancock and Emily Ethel Hancock; husband of Megan Emily Hancock, of North Newington, Oxfordshire. Grave Ref. VI, B, 8.
BROUGHTON (ST. MARY) CHURCH CEMETERY, Oxfordshire, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom - GARDNER, Gunner, CLEMENT JOSEPH, 11055232, Royal Artillery. 13 February 1945. Age 42. Son of George and Mary Jane Gardner, of North Newington.
MITCHAM (CHURCH ROAD) BURIAL GROUND, Surrey, United Kingdom - HARBOUR, Private, HERBERT, 122823, 2nd London Sanitary Coy, Royal Army Medical Corps. 31 January 1919. Age 41. Husband of Mary Ann Whitmill (formerly Harbour), of Roebuck Inn, North Newington, Banbury. Grave Ref. X. 114.
TOWER HILL MEMORIAL, London, United Kingdom - BUSBY, Second Officer, ERIC RALPH, S.S. Nairung (London), Merchant Navy. 18 August 1944. Age 24. Son of Harold James Busby and Emily Agnes Busby, of North Newington, Oxfordshire. Panel 71.