12 May 2013

Isaac Newton in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, Lincolnshire

 
Isaac Newton (1642–1727) was born in Woolsthorpe Manor in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, Lincolnshire. His father (also named Isaac) was a wealthy farmer who died a few months before the birth of his only child, and three years later his mother Hannah married Rev. Barnabas Smith of the nearby village of North Witham. She left her parents James and Margery Ayscough to look after Isaac, although she returned to Woolsthorpe on her husband's death in 1653.
 
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed in the birthplace.
 
 'In this Manor House
SIR ISAAC NEWTON Knt
was born 25th December A.D. 1642'
 
The back and side of the manor facing west.
 
The manor again, showing the courtyard with outbuildings.
 
The National Trust claims that this is the legendary apple tree that inspired Newton.  It's a Flower of Kent and blew down in a storm in 1820, the wood being used for snuff boxes and other novelties. Fortunately the root remained and the tree grew again.
 
Fritillaries were growing nearby.

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