At the beginning of the twentieth century Widmerpool was an estate village belonging to Major George Coke Robertson who resided at Widmerpool Hall.

There were seven farms and smallholdings and about 30 cottages or houses. Four of the farms were some distance from the village: Hill Farm on Thurlby Lane, North Lodge Farm and Wolds Farm on the Keyworth Road, the New Inn Farm and Barn Farm on the Fosse near South Lodge (or Field) Farm approached from the village down Pen Lane. In the village were the Home Farm and Grange Farm, both of which Major Robertson held in hand. The tenanted Manor Farm was also in the village.

Major George Coke Robertson
of Widmerpool Hall 1839-1924

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Hounds outside the Smithy, Widmerpool
about 1920's

Smithy Farm and Oak Farm were village smallholdings.

After Major Robertson died in 1924, the estate had to be sold. Widmerpool Hall is now occupied by the Automobile Association. Over the years, farmers have bought their farms.

Farmhouse at Hill Farm

North Lodge Farmhouse

Geoff Brooks (interviewee 9) took over from his father as the tenant at Manor Farm, but bought it in1960. In 1988 the farm was relocated outside the village on the Willoughby Lane. The farmhouse and buldings were converted into private houses.

Manor Farm in 1961

New famhouse at Manor Farm

Today all the farmhouses, farm buildings and cottages in the village have been converted into desirable rural homes for commuters.