Woolsthorpe Manor

Woolsthorpe Manor

Woolsthorpe Manor in Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth, near Grantham, Lincolnshire, England, is famous as the birthplace and family home of the great scientist Sir Isaac Newton. This historic house gives us a special glimpse into the life of one of history’s most brilliant minds.

The manor is also well-known for its connection to one of the most famous stories in science. Legend says that it was in the orchard of Woolsthorpe Manor that Newton saw an apple fall from a tree, which inspired his ideas about gravity. Visitors can still see a tree there that is thought to be a descendant of the original Newton's famous apple tree.

Today, Woolsthorpe Manor is protected as a Grade I listed building, which means it is very important to history and culture. It is owned by the National Trust, a charity that looks after special places across the United Kingdom, and it is open for people to visit and learn more about Newton and his life.

History

Woolsthorpe Manor has a long history dating back to the twelfth century. It was once part of the estate of Colsterworth and later became the home of the Newton family. The famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton was born here on Christmas Day in 1642. As a young boy, Newton went to school in Grantham. He returned to Woolsthorpe during hard times, like when Cambridge University closed because of the plague.

While he was there, Newton did many experiments. Some say he was inspired by watching an apple fall from a tree to think about gravity.

After Newton passed away, the manor changed owners many times. In 1942, it was given to the National Trust. Today, the National Trust takes care of the house and lets visitors see what life was like for a family in the seventeen hundred. People can walk through rooms that were once private and learn about Newton's discoveries with fun exhibits.

The tree

Main article: Isaac Newton's apple tree

Sir Isaac Newton said that seeing an apple fall from a tree helped him think about gravity. One tree in the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor is more than 400 years old. It grew from the roots of an older tree that fell down a long time ago. Gardeners look after this special tree, and it is protected by a fence. The tree is cared for by the National Trust.

The village

Main article: Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth

Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth is a small village in Lincolnshire, England. It began with just a few houses in the seventeenth century and has grown into a village with several hundred houses. Much of the land that once belonged to Woolsthorpe Manor was sold to a nearby family, and some of this land is now used for buildings. Woolsthorpe Manor still stands on the edge of the village, mostly surrounded by open fields.