THE PARISH IN 2014
The village of Glapthorn - the name derives from Old English and is thought to mean ‘the thorn tree of a man called Glappa’ - was first mentioned in the 12th century, and was part of Willow Brook, one of the ‘Three Hundreds’ into which the Oundle area was divided. It covers approx. 1,240 acres (590 hectares) and has always been divided into Upper and Lower, on the north and south sides of the tree lined Brook flowing eastwards to the river Nene. Fields on either side of the Brook create an open space between the two halves. The structure of the village is such that almost all dwellings back on to open fields. Limestone, sand and marls outcrop on the valley sides, whilst boulder or jurassic clays cover the high ground. The parish forms part of a larger area, essentially rural in character and centred on the market town of Oundle which borders the parish to the south. Cotterstock parish lies to the east, Southwick to the north and Benefield to the west. DEMOGRAPHICS
The present population numbers 276, housed in 114 properties, of which 109 are owned freehold and 5 are rented; 36 households include children (4 with one parent). 21 people live alone. 22% (60) of the population is under 18 years old, and 29% (79) are pensioners. COMMERCE, INDUSTRY & EMPLOYMENT
The village has not had a shop for many years and the last public house closed in 1991. There is however a strong community ethic (see Village Hall below)
There are five working farms in the parish of which three are based in the village. There is a hair-dressing salon and a beauty parlour housed in converted farm buildings, and a riding stables. A number of residents work or run their businesses from home, or are full time parents. Many travel to work within a fifteen mile radius which includes the towns of Oundle, Peterborough and Kettering. A growing number commute to London. ADMINISTRATION
The parish is run by a Parish Council of residents consisting of a Chairman and a maximum of six additional councillors, and employs a salaried clerk. The Council is responsible for the management and efficient working of the parish and for raising funds to carry out its duties by means of an annual precept (local tax) levied on all households. ASSETS
St Leonard’s C of E Church
The Grade II listed medieval limestone church is situated on Main Street in the middle of the village. The architectural and artistic highlights include a number of medieval wall paintings. It is possible to seat 180 people. The church is currently in a good state of repair, and has recently been redecorated inside. There is a schedule of work, to be carried out in spring 2014, including the installation of a disabled lavatory in the bell tower, and a kitchen servery in the north-west corner. The church is surrounded by a graveyard which contains some 270 gravestones plus the village War Memorial, and is still in use. Village Hall
Situated to the west of the church and on the other side of Main Street, the present Village Hall was opened in 2002 to mark the Queen’s golden jubilee, on a site gifted many years ago in perpetuity to the village for community use. The project was financed by the Lottery Fund, with contributions from other public and private donors and money raised by the residents. The hall is used extensively for public and private functions, meetings, various teaching classes (e.g. art, pilates and upholstery) and charity events. Every Friday the resident owned and operated Royal Oak Club puts on a club night with a meal and a licensed bar, open to residents and their guests. School
Glapthorn Church of England Lower School is situated on Benefield Road at the western end of the village. There are some 70 pupils, aged from five to nine, many of whom are not Glapthorn residents. There are very close links between school and church community. Children over nine are educated in Oundle and beyond. Allotments
There is an area of glebe land on Benefield Road leased by the Church Land Trust to Glapthorn Allotment Gardener’s Association (G.A.G.A) which is managed by residents for the provision of garden allotments. Woodlands and Wildlife
There are two areas of historic woodland on the north perimeter of the parish, both of which are open to the public. Glapthorn Cow Pastures is a classified Site of Special Scientific Interest and attracts visitors from across the British Isles and overseas as a breeding ground for the rare Black Hair Streak butterfly, as well as being famous for nightingales. Shortwood is well known for the annual bluebell display. Other
There is a network of public footpaths and bridleways across the parish. There is no village green or playing field. There is no dedicated public car parking facility. Most properties have their own off street parking. AMENITIES
Royal Oak Club
A private members club open to and run by village residents meets every Friday night for the provision of an evening meal with bar facilities to members and guests. Village Show
The village joins forces with neighbouring Southwick to present an annual combined Village Show, for the display and judging of local produce and crafts. The location alternates between the two village halls. Health Care
Most residents are registered for primary medical care at Oundle Surgery about 1.5 miles south of the village in Oundle Town. They will normally be referred for specialist or in-patient treatment to City Hospital Peterborough (14 miles), Kettering General Hospital (14 miles) or Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge (33 miles).
