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 originally part of the estate of Colsterworth and later became the property of the Newton family. Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists ever, was born in this house on Christmas Day 1642. As a young boy, Newton was sent to school in Grantham but returned to Woolsthorpe during difficult times, such as when Cambridge University closed due to the plague. It was here that he conducted important experiments and may have been inspired by an apple falling from a tree to develop his ideas about gravity.

After Newton's death, the manor changed hands several times. In 1942, it was given to the National Trust, which now cares for the house and shares it with visitors. Today, Woolsthorpe Manor shows what life was like for a family in the seventeenth century, and visitors can explore areas that were once private and learn about Newton's discoveries through interactive exhibits.

The tree

Main article: Isaac Newton's apple tree

Sir Isaac Newton told a friend that an apple falling from a tree inspired him to think about gravity. One tree in the orchard at Woolsthorpe Manor is over 400 years old. It grew from the roots of an older tree that fell down long ago. Gardeners take good care of this special tree, and it is protected by a fence. The tree is looked after by the National Trust.

The village

Main article: Woolsthorpe-by-Colsterworth

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