Upper Broughton: Local History and Views of the Vale of Belvoir

Upper Broughton lies on the southern slope of a broad hill, facing the Belvoir Escarpment. The village’s character includes traces of church architecture, memorials and evidence of earlier land use. The Church of St Luke preserves medieval features; the Upper Broughton War Memorial commemorates those killed in two world wars. These were eight men from the village who were killed in the First World War, and one soldier who was killed in the Second World War. The village’s history also includes a chapel with a foundation story dating back to 1795 and the cultivation of open fields in the Middle Ages. Its location offers panoramic views of the Vale of Belvoir.

Church Architecture and Religious History

The Church of St Luke preserves the remains of a south arcade dating from around 1200. The porch also contains a fragment of a Norman tympanum. The church therefore has two distinct architectural features: the remains of a structural element and a fragment in the porch. The churchyard contains listed gravestones dating from the early to mid-18th century, made mostly of slate. The gravestones add a later period and a specific material to the church’s medieval architectural features.

Another chapter in the area’s religious history is the chapel in Upper Broughton. It opened in 1795 and was founded by Baptists from East Leake Chapel. The chapel has a cemetery with notable monuments. The opening year provides a point of reference distinct from the medieval remains at the Church of St Luke; the cemetery adds the monuments to the chapel’s founding story.

Remembrance and Local Traditions

The Upper Broughton War Memorial is a Grade II listed memorial, unveiled in 1920. It commemorates eight men from the village who were killed in the First World War, and one soldier who was killed in the Second World War. The information about the memorial thus connects its year of unveiling with the specific number of people commemorated.

The crosses also tell different stories. The cross on Cross Green is thought to be the remains of a village market cross. Near Upper Broughton there is also a prominent medieval stone cross shaft. According to local tradition, the cross was erected in gratitude that the village had been spared the plague. The connection between the Cross Green cross and the village market remains a likely interpretation; the plague story is part of the tradition surrounding the stone cross.

Landscape and Traces of Land Use

Upper Broughton faces the Belvoir Escarpment, and its location offers panoramic views of the Vale of Belvoir. The Upper Broughton Conservation Area was designated in 1973. Open fields were cultivated in Upper Broughton in the Middle Ages. Together, these details reflect different periods: a historic form of land use and the later designation of the conservation area.

Another detail of the village’s history is the lead cistern in front of Willow Farm. It dates from 1777 and is decorated with zodiac signs. Its date and decoration make it a distinctive object, different from the church buildings, monuments and memorials.

Getting There and Things to Do

Upper Broughton is served by bus route 19 between Melton Mowbray and Nottingham. Check the timetable before travelling so you can factor the service into your travel plans. Another option is the bell-ringing group in Upper Broughton, which offers lessons in bell ringing to people with no previous experience. These are two different practical options to consider: a bus connection and an opportunity to learn bell ringing.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hucknall, Thurgarton, Winthorpe, Edwinstowe, West Stockwith, Cuckney, Sutton Bonington, West Bridgford.

Return to the main travel overview: Nottinghamshire.