Grantham

The birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton, Grantham is a historic market town in the south of Lincolnshire. Located on the banks of the River Witham, Grantham sits on the border of both Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. The town is easily accessible from the A1, and boasts fantastic road and rail links.

Some of Lincolnshire’s finest attractions are situated on the outskirts of Grantham. Heritage sites including Belton Estate, Woolsthorpe Manor and Belvoir Castle are all just a short drive from the town.

The History of Grantham

Historically, Grantham’s economy was based on engineering and manufacturing. With great transport connections and plenty of rural land, the town grew prosperous from the wool industry. The town was easily accessible from both the north and south, so major cities were within easy reach for trading.

By the 18th century, Grantham had become a popular stage coaching town. Its close proximity to a major road meant that travellers could stop off here on their way up and down the country. As wealthy travellers spent money in the town, local businesses flourished.

The arrival of the railway in 1850 brought even more prosperity to Grantham, and the engineering companies here thrived. The town’s main industry was mechanical engineering, and it was best known for producing diesel engines, road rollers - and the UK's first tractor!
In more recent history, Grantham is perhaps most famous for being the birthplace of Sir Isaac Newton and Margaret Thatcher. The UK’s first female officer Edith Smith also served here; it was during her time in Grantham that she was first given the full power of arrest.