England & Wales Hardwicke Marriage Index
Marriages 1754 - 1837
North Leverton cum Habblethorpe St Martin

The Parish

The parish of North Leverton (with Habblesthorpe) lies in northeastern Nottinghamshire, indeed it forms part of the border with neighbouring Lincolnshire. North Leverton lies about 5 miles northeast of the market town of East Retford in a network of lanes that cross the wide plain of the River Trent. North Leverton is a compact settlement grouped around the junction of east/west and north/south running lanes at the junction lies the centre of the village with shops, pub and close by church. The area is a mixture of arable on higher ground with pastures close by to the River Trent which forms the eastern border of the parish and county. The village is sited at around 15 metres above sea level although land falls away to the river which, despite being miles from its exit through the Humber, is barely a metre above sea level. The village lies at a distinct change in slope as to the west parts of the parish rise to almost 90 metres. The parish, by the standards of northern Britain is quite small, covering just over 1,500 acres, and it is elongated west to east to take in a share of all the land types across the slope. The parish supported almost 350 parishioners. In Domesday times the land was held either directly by the King or by the Archbishop of York; the land supported an unfeasibly high 63 ploughs and also boasted meadows, woodland, 2 fisheries and a mill making it a very wealthy place indeed.

The Church

St Martin's church is hidden away from the main lanes transecting the village, accessed up a narrow tarmac lane (Fingle Street) which curves behind the buildings fronting the main east/west running lane. The church boasts a typical Perpendicular western tower which so many in the county possess. However, the southern aisle and chancel contain stylistic details that date the start, at least, of the building to the early 14th century. The southern aisle sits rather incongruously jutting out from the outside but inside it appears more contiguous. The whole building is rather tall for its width a device that gives quite an airy feel to the interior. The graveyard is rather extensive to the east of the building and here access is gained through gates at the eastern approach. The site has mature trees to south and west but there are adequate sites for photography to avoid these.