Retford Through Time

Retford is a market town and one of the oldest Boroughs in England. Known for its 'Redforde', as the river in Retford was once tinged red by the clay river bed and the frequent crossing of people and livestock disturbing it, the origins of Retford's name has been subject to debate. Aside from the name 'Redforde', others believe Retford's name derived from an ancient ford crossing on the River Idle. The first land settled on the west of the ford as this area was less liable to flooding, but in ti