Mapperley: Nottingham's Northern Gem

Mapperley, a distinguished area nestled in the north-eastern reaches of Nottingham, England, represents a fascinating blend of residential charm and commercial vibrancy. Its strategic location, bordered by Sherwood to the northwest, Thorneywood to the south, and Gedling to the east, places it at a nexus of urban development and historical significance. The name 'Mapperley' and its historical variant, 'Mapperley Plains,' have, over centuries, been applied to a considerable expanse of land flanking Woodborough Road (B684). This stretch extends from the junction with Mapperley Road north-eastwards for approximately 3.75 miles, reaching the point where the road diverges towards the village of Woodborough. The historical mapping of this area, such as Jackson's map from 1851–66, explicitly labels the section of Woodborough Road between Mapperley Road and Porchester Road as 'Mapperley Plains,' underscoring a geographical identity that has evolved over time. This exploration delves into the captivating history of this suburb, tracing its journey from its earliest recorded mentions to its current standing within the modern city of Nottingham.

The Medieval Roots of Mapperley

The origins of what is now the Nottingham suburb of Mapperley can be traced back to the fourteenth century. Dr. Robert Thoroton, writing in the 1670s about lands in the lordship of Basford, which lay west of the present-day Woodborough Road, noted the presence of an area known as 'cornerswong.' He documented that during the reign of Richard II (1377-1399), a prominent figure named Thomas Mapurley resided in Nottingham. It is believed that Thomas, or his descendants, acquired a significant portion of these grounds, leading to them being referred to as 'Maperley's Closes.' With the subsequent erection of a few cottages and barns, this area evolved into a small hamlet known as 'Mapurley.'

Thomas Mapperley, who was also known earlier in his career as Thomas Holt of Mapperley, Derbyshire, adopted his surname from the place he originated. It was after him that this area subsequently took its name. His public service was notable; he served as under-sheriff of Nottinghamshire from approximately 1387 to 1391. During this period, he was also elected as a Member of Parliament for Nottingham in 1388 and 1391. His civic contributions extended further as he held the office of Mayor of Nottingham in 1402-3 and served as Recorder from 1407–10, solidifying his influence in the town's governance.

Land Ownership and Early Development

In the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Thoroton records that lands within 'Maperley Closes' were held by families such as the Staples, Querneby, and Blyth. Bankes' Crown Survey of 1609 provides further detail, listing 'Five closes of pasture called Mapperley lying between Basford Waste and Nottingham Lordship in the occupation of Thomas Blithe, freeholder,' alongside 'two other closes of pasture next thereunto adjoining the one called Mapperley in the occupation of Robert Staples, freeholder.' By the early 17th century, the area known as 'Mapperley' appears to have encompassed Mapperley Hills Common. This was a distinct, narrow strip of land, depicted on Bankes' map, situated entirely to the east of Mapperley Hills Road (now Woodborough Road). Its extent began roughly where Alexandra Court stands today and continued north-eastwards, terminating near the summit of the present-day Porchester Road. This common measured approximately 1.7 kilometres (1.1 miles) in length and varied in width from a mere 80 metres (260 ft) to 200 metres (660 ft).

The Mapperley Estate and the Wright Family

An advertisement published in the Nottingham Journal in 1772 offered for sale a 'compact freehold estate called Mapperley.' This estate, located within the parish of Basford and just a mile from Nottingham, comprised two messuage houses and 18 closes of rich meadow and pasture land, totalling over 88 acres (36 hectares). It also included 12 acres (4.9 hectares) of arable land, representing its share of the Forest's breakdown. The advertisement highlighted Mapperley's desirable location, describing it as a 'very pleasant situation, near Sherwood Forest, in a fine sporting country' and noting its entitlement to common rights on the Forest without stint.

Evidence suggests that the banker John Smith acquired this advertised Mapperley estate. Upon his death in 1776, he bequeathed it to his three daughters. One of these daughters, Mary, married Thomas Wright, and thus the estate passed into the possession of the Wright family. In the 1790s, Ichabod Wright (1767-1862) commissioned the construction of Mapperley Hall, which became the centrepiece of the estate. Later, in 1873, Ichabod's grandson, Colonel Charles Ichabod Wright, began selling off plots of land to the south of the Hall and its grounds. These plots, situated between Woodborough Road, the upper section of Magdala Road, and Lucknow Drive, were designated for the development of six houses.

The Development of Mapperley Park

The majority of the Mapperley estate was released for development in 1903. On March 20th of that year, the northern portion of the estate, spanning 130 acres and described as a 'picturesque and finely timbered park,' was put up for auction. The Wright family sold it for £74,500 to a consortium that included the well-regarded local architect William Beedham Starr. Starr promptly submitted a comprehensive development plan to Nottingham Corporation, outlining the creation of a series of streets on the land. Between 1906 and 1914, approximately 163 houses received planning approval in what became known as Mapperley Park, with the majority concentrated in the northern section.

Alexandra Park: An Exclusive Enclave

The land where Alexandra Park now stands was originally part of Mapperley Hills Common. Following the St. Mary's Nottingham Inclosure Act of 1845, the land in this vicinity was sold into private ownership. By the 1850s, it had come into the possession of Jonathan and Benjamin Hine. They engaged their brother, the renowned local architect Thomas C. Hine, to design the layout of the area and the substantial residences that characteristically define it today. Enderleigh was one of the first four houses to be developed in this area, alongside Femleigh, Springfield House, and Sunnyholme (now Trent House). These properties were constructed for some of Nottingham's most affluent individuals at the time. The development of Alexandra Park continued as an exclusive residential area, a reputation it largely retains.

Expansion and Infrastructure

Further developments northwards, along the eastern side of Woodborough Road, commenced at a later stage. By 1881, approximately forty buildings had been erected beyond Alexandra Park, extending to the city's new boundary. Around this period, two new public houses, the Duke of Cambridge and the Belle Vue, emerged. Two new streets, Blyth Street and Querneby Road, also appeared, with house construction commencing around 1900. The subsequent two decades saw continued building activity, with new streets and houses being established as far as Porchester Road.

In 1837, a new thoroughfare, Coppice Road (now Ransom Road), was created, cutting through the coppice from St Ann's to Mapperley Common. The trees lining this road were planted in 1845. The Coppice Hospital, situated on Ransom Drive, was designed by Thomas C. Hine and constructed between 1857 and 1859. This institution was the second asylum to be built in Nottingham; the first, the General Lunatic Asylum, had been established at Sneinton Fields, off Carlton Road, in 1812. Later, Mapperley Hospital (the Nottingham Borough Asylum) on Porchester Road was designed by G. T. Hine, the son of Thomas C. Hine, and built between 1875 and 1880.

Ecclesiastical and Civic Growth

St Jude's Church, located on Woodborough Road, was consecrated in 1877. It was established as a daughter church of St Ann's, with the land generously donated by the Wright family. A chancel was added in 1893, followed by north and south aisles in 1916. St Jude's officially became a separate parish on 9 November 1926.

The Nottingham Borough Extension Act of 1877 marked a significant expansion of the city's boundaries. The area of Nottingham increased from 1,996 acres to 10,935 acres, incorporating several settlements from the parish of Basford into the city's purview. These included Mapperley, alongside the neighbouring areas of Carrington and Sherwood. Prior to this act, Redcliffe Road, then known as Red Lane, constituted the northernmost limit of the town. Following the act, the new boundary extended along Porchester Road to Woodborough Road, proceeded north for several hundred yards, and then turned west down Woodthorpe Drive.

The Significance of 'Mapperley Plains'

The lands bordering the B684, extending beyond the former city boundary to the turn-off for Woodborough village, are now commonly referred to as the Mapperley Plains. The historical context suggests that the term 'plains' might derive from the area's past as woodland that was subsequently cleared of trees, echoing an older meaning of the word.

Key Historical Figures and Developments

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mapperley known for?

Mapperley is primarily known as a desirable residential and commercial suburb of Nottingham. It features attractive Victorian and Edwardian architecture, particularly in areas like Mapperley Park, and offers good local amenities and transport links. Historically, it's recognised for its development from medieval landholdings and its association with influential Nottingham families like the Wrights.

Where exactly is Mapperley located within Nottingham?

Mapperley is situated in the north-eastern part of Nottingham. It is bordered by Sherwood to the northwest, Thorneywood to the south, and Gedling to the east. Woodborough Road is a key thoroughfare running through the area.

What is the historical significance of Mapperley Plains?

Mapperley Plains refers to the stretch of land along Woodborough Road, north-east of Mapperley Road. Historically, it was common land, possibly cleared woodland, and has been a significant area for development, particularly from the 18th century onwards, with key estates like Mapperley Hall located there.

Who were the key figures in Mapperley's development?

Key figures include Thomas Mapurley, whose family name gave the area its title; the Wright family, who owned the significant Mapperley estate and built Mapperley Hall; and architects like William Beedham Starr and Thomas C. Hine, who were instrumental in shaping the residential areas like Mapperley Park and Alexandra Park.

When did Mapperley become part of Nottingham?

Mapperley, along with Carrington and Sherwood, was officially incorporated into the city of Nottingham following the Nottingham Borough Extension Act of 1877, which greatly expanded the city's boundaries.

What kind of properties can be found in Mapperley?

Mapperley offers a diverse range of properties, from substantial Victorian and Edwardian family homes, particularly in Mapperley Park and Alexandra Park, to more modern developments. There are also commercial properties along the main roads.