Welcome to Ollerton Village
An historic Domesday Book listed village on the edge of Sherwood Forest
In the heart of Robin Hood country.
What's Happening?
Making a better place:
All our actions are aimed at simply making the village a better place to live, work or visit, working with local, district and county organisations. What constantly needs our attention...........
Buildings:
The historic buildings left empty and unkempt by Samuel Smith's Brewery.
The ongoing renovation of Grade 2 listed Ollerton Hall.
Traffic:
The commencement of the A614 Improvement Project, including Ollerton Roundabout. Will it actually start in 2026?
The use and misuse of village roads, notably Station Road, by rat-running traffic.
Events
Our own social events, plus supporting other groups in the area including the famous St George's Day celebrations.
Events
Save the date - Race Night planned for Thursday 20th May. Details to follow....
St George's Day Celebration
Sunday 26th April 2026 12 - 4pm
St George's Day Celebration - Ollerton
History and Legends of the Area
Memorial Garden looking North
Hop Pole Hotel
(currently closed by Sam Smith's brewery)
History
Explore the Past
Ollerton Village (formerly Alreton and Allerton) has a rich history signalling it's growth and development since the first settlements in the area by Anglo-Saxons, influence by Viking invaders, and the huge upheaval caused by the Norman invasion in 1066.
Ollerton is recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, notable for its mills and some 15 dwellings. Through the Reformation and 17th century Civil Wars the village later reached its peak as a self-sufficient town in the middle 1850's with some 22 shops and businesses serving approx 1000 residents.
The discovery of extensive coal deposits in the 1920's saw New Ollerton take centre stage, with the village becoming the heritage heart of the area.
Whilst seemingly a backwater in national terms, Ollerton has a rich historical connection to key figures including Henry VIII, the Cavendish dynasty from Chatsworth and Bolsover, Bess of Hardwick, the treason and plot of the Gunpowder Plot era, and the machinations of the staunch Catholic Markham family of Ollerton Hall against the Protestantism of the Talbot/Savile families from Rufford Abbey. St Giles Church stands as a silent witness, and itself has a chequered history.
A guided History Stroll can be arranged for small groups, being a gentle wander around the key sites in the village taking around 90 minutes. If you would like to know more, drop us an email at the address below.
Photo Gallery
Some photos and images from Ollerton as it is now, and some from bygone times.
White Hart Public House (currently closed by Sam Smith's brewery)
Mill Field - current project to create a wildflower meadow
War Memorial Garden framed by the River Maun and the mill race
Ollerton Watermill. There was a mill here from Domesday Book times, with two others nearby
Station Road, formerly High Street, formerly Rufford Road
Station Road around the turn of century with the White Hart on the left
Over time known as Newark Road, Bridge Street and now simply the bus lane
Looking towards Market Place and St Giles Church
The Hop Pole Hotel - a popular coaching inn and centre for visitors to Sherwood Forest
The Hop Pole Hotel in its post-World War 1 heyday
Telegraph poles along the road from Ollerton Roundabout to the village in the 1920's
Local Directory
The businesses that support us - help us by supporting your local traders and service providers
The Curious Monkey
Curiosities and all manner of vintage and collectibles
The Curious Monkey
St Giles Church, Market Place, Ollerton
A place of worship recorded as having a resident Pastor as far back as 1200AD. The church building itself has a chequered history, notably suffering from lack of maintenance from the Reformation under Henry VIII - the main local family remained staunchly Catholic and did not contribute to its upkeep - until its rebuild from 1777 funded largely from the Savile family at Rufford who owned the village at that time.
Church services are held:
Services of worship are held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month at 10.30am - 12noon
Visitors are welcome to visit the church on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 10am - 12noon
Reverend Richard Hanford will be pleased to assist you. Email to rev-richardhanford@hotmail.com