Smisby
Smisby is an ancient manor, civil parish and small village in South Derbyshire, England. It is 4 miles (6.4 km) from Melbourne and near the Leicestershire border[2] and the town of Ashby-de-la-Zouch. The village including the outlying farms and houses has a population just over 200 that occupies some 110 properties. The population at the 2011 Census had increased to 260.[3] Early historySmisby (Old Norse Smith's farm or settlement[4]) is mentioned as Smidesbi in 1086 in the Domesday Book,[5] which states[6] under the title of "The lands of Nigel of Stafford":[7]
The Smisby lock-up is a village lock-up dating from the 18th century. Considered the best exemplar of the type in the county, it is a Grade II* listed building.[9] Notable residents
IvanhoeWithin 200 metres of the village is a spot where a tournament was held that was described by Sir Walter Scott in his novel Ivanhoe. In chapter seven the text reads
This quotation is attributed to a visit Scott made to Coleorton Hall to visit Sir George Beaumont. They visited Smisby and climbed a now-demolished watchtower. Scott noted that a flat area towards Ashby Castle, but within Derbyshire, was reputed to be the place where ancient jousting tournaments had taken place.[1][11] Gallery
See alsoReferences
External linksWikimedia Commons has media related to Smisby. |