Martinsthorpe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Martinsthorpe |
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 The only building in Martinsthorpe (in 2007, before restoration) |
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 Martinsthorpe
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| Area | 0.84 sq mi (2.2 km2) |
| Population | 0 2001 Census |
| • Density | 0/sq mi (0/km2) |
| OS grid reference | SK866047 |
| • London | 83 miles (134 km) SSE |
| Unitary authority | |
| Shire county | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | OAKHAM |
| Postcode district | LE15 |
| Dialling code | 01572 |
| Police | Leicestershire |
| Fire | Leicestershire |
| Ambulance | East Midlands |
| EU Parliament | East Midlands |
| UK Parliament |
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Martinsthorpe is a very small area in the county of Rutland in the East Midlands of England. It is known as a civil parish, which is a local area used for government. What makes Martinsthorpe special is that no one lives there! It is one of the few places in England with zero population.
Martinsthorpe is also the site of a deserted medieval village. This means that long ago, during the Middle Ages, people lived and worked here. But over time, everyone left, and the village became empty.
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The Name of Martinsthorpe
The name "Martinsthorpe" has an interesting meaning. It comes from old words that mean "outlying farm" or "settlement of Martin." This suggests that it was once a farm or a small group of homes belonging to someone named Martin.
Where is Martinsthorpe Located?
Martinsthorpe is found about four miles (6 km) south of Oakham. It is also close to the village of Manton. As mentioned, Martinsthorpe is unique because it has no people living in it. According to the 2001 census, it had a population of zero. This makes it one of only eight parishes in all of England with no residents.
The Last Building Standing
Even though no one lives in Martinsthorpe, one building still stands there. It is called Old Hall Farmhouse. This building is very old and is considered a Grade II listed building, which means it is historically important and protected.
Old Hall Farmhouse was once part of a much larger building called Martinsthorpe Hall. This grand hall was the home of important people, the Earls of Nottingham. After many years of being empty, the farmhouse has been fixed up. Today, it is used as a holiday home that people can rent.
An Ancient Path Through Martinsthorpe
An old path, possibly from the Bronze Age, runs through Martinsthorpe. This path is thought to be a true ridgeway. A ridgeway is a path that follows the top of a hill or a ridge. This ancient route comes from Stamford and follows a limestone ridge. It passes by places like Edith Weston, Manton, and Martinsthorpe, before entering Leicestershire near Withcote.
How Martinsthorpe is Represented
Martinsthorpe is part of a larger area used for local elections. This area is called an electoral division or a ward. It is how people choose councillors to represent them on the Rutland County Council.
Before 2019, Martinsthorpe was part of an electoral division that included several other parishes. These were Gunthorpe, Lyndon, Manton, Martinsthorpe, Morcott, Pilton, and Wing.
Since the 2019 election, Martinsthorpe has been combined with another area to form the Braunston and Martinsthorpe ward. This new ward elects two people to serve on the County Council.
