Hawksworth almost certainly started life as an Anglo Saxon village and then was within the area settled by Danish Vikings. All that remains from those days is a large portion of a preaching cross which is inscribed with part pagan and part Christian motifs.

 

Norman knights held the land in two manors in Hawksworth from 1066 and around 1150 Walter and his wife, who was probably named Gocelina, founded the church of St Mary and All Saints, as recorded on their undated commemoration stone which can be seen on the south exterior wall of the tower. Walter was of the de Sancto Paulo family, Lords of Sibthorpe and they and their descendants continued to appoint Rectors at Hawksworth church until the end of 1400s. War came to Hawksworth in 1487 when a battle was fought in Battle Field towards the end of the Wars of the Roses.

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During the 16th century parish records were kept and much more is known about the inhabitants of Hawksworth. The open field system set down in Hawksworth under the Anglo Saxons was changed when the fields of Hawksworth were enclosed in 1761 and the modern pattern of self‑contained farms was introduced.

 

Later developments in the village include the establishment of the WB Stubbs Progress Works in 1836, a school house in 1854, the Curate’s House in 1878, the Wesleyan Chapel in 1883 and the Post Office by 1894.

 

Great changes took place in Hawksworth towards the end of the 20th century but the conveniences of the 20th century were slow to reach the village. Running water was not introduced into the village until 1955, street lighting in 1962, mains sewerage was installed in 2005 and mains gas has still not reached here. The village was designated a Conservation Area in 1975 and Hawksworth Community Association was formed in 1989 to run the church building as a community hall for the benefit of the village.

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In Hawksworth today you will find a village with up to date conveniences; superfast Broadband is available, the old red BT phone box is now a library with a defibrillator for emergency use and the church clock is radio controlled but sounds the time in the traditional manner of striking the church bells. Hawksworth church has been converted to dual purpose use and it serves not only as a place of worship but also as the community hall for holding parties, art exhibitions, meetings and games such as table tennis for the children.

 

Every year everyone in the village commits to giving money to keep the beautiful church building in a good state of repair.

Modern day Hawksworth is no longer dependent on agricultural work and families travel to school and work outside the village. In Hawksworth you will find a village with a tremendous community spirit. The annual Fun Day is well supported and the village is thriving and well, as shown by the vast amount of work that has been done on Hawksworth church and many successful social events.