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The story of Littleborough (Segelocvm) is a fascinating tale, owing its existence to the military road that was built by the Romans. This road left the main Road at Danvm (Doncaster) cutting through Bawtry, Everton, Clayworth, Wheatley and Sturton-Le-Steeple and eventually joining Ermine Street at Scampton, Lincolnshire. At the point where this route crossed the river Trent the Romans built a fort and settlement called Segelocvm (from seges - corn and locum - place) and this eventually became Littleborough. The Road was taken across the Trent by means of a massive stone causeway 18 feet wide at 12 feet high that was constructed in the time of Emperor Harden (117-138 AD). On the eastern bank the river continued in a straight line through Marton and Sturton-by-Stow, this road is now called Tillbridge Lane. The earliest Roman coin that has been found at Littleborough was from the date 90 AD.

This causeway could only be used at low tide, at other times the river crossing had to be made by a chain ferry which continued in use until the 1900's. This was one of the oldest ferries in England . The remnants of the machinery can still be seen near the ramp into the river.

Segelocvm is one of only four places in Nottinghamshire mentioned in the Roman maps of Britain. Segelocvm became a place of some importance and in addition to its military fortis was probably also used as a trading post. Excavations have a pottery and possibly metal work on the site.

Notable people who would have been familiar with this crossing include King Harold, on his way with an army to meet William the Conqueror, ironically the Conqueror himself on his way from Lincoln to York. Cardinal Wolsey is also believed to have crossed here.

In Saxon times the name Segelocvm became TIOVULFINGASCESTIR (Tiowulf's encampment) and it was probably here that St. Paulinus, the first Archbishop of York, paused on a journey from Lincoln back to York. At this time he baptised converts to the Christian faith in the waters of the Trent. Bede recorded the event in his famous "History of the English Church and People" he says that the large congregation who witnessed the baptisms included king Edwin of Mercia.

A number of important discoveries have been made at Littleborough, including, two Roman Alters an a Roman stone coffin. The finds indicate that the settlement included a Roman Temple which probable stood on the site of the little church (pictured above). Christian worship probably came in about the fourth century AD. A wooden church certainly stood on the site during Saxon times and this was replaced by the current Church that was built before 1060.

A number of interesting carvings that depict sailing boats can be seen on the top of the wall to the left of the ramp into the river. The origin of these is unknown.

Littleborough was abandoned as a major settlement after the Norman conquest and the population has steadily declined until today only a few dwellings remain. The causeway across the river was dismantled, except for the foundation stones, around 1868, because of the damage caused to the hulls of barges that still use the river. The foundation stones can still be seen at low tide during dry seasons.

Littleborough's tiny Norman Church is one of the smallest parish churches still in regular use in England. The building is notable because of its unusual herring bone pattern of the masonry which is a feature of Roman times. The massive chancel arch is a particularly interesting feature of the interior. This has two small pillars in it that are of the original Saxon construction.

The Capitals are primitively carved in a Saxon style rather than Norman and around the top of the arch is a bold layer of "roll moulding". The bulk of the masonry is a hard and durable limestone but incorporated into the walls are small pieces of roman brick and tile. The original entrance to the church was at the west end of the south wall, this was filled in and replaced with a window in the restoration of 1832 when most of the original Norman windows were redesigned and the brick vestry built on the north side. The building was further restored in 1900 when most of the interior furniture and the roof was replaced. Electric lighting was installed in 1976. In 1832 the interior walls were encased in plaster and wooden raredos erected behind the alter, all of these were fortunately removed in the restoration of 1900. The Western Archway is of medieval origin. The stained glass window that depicts the winged seraph of Isaiah was installed in 1900 when the brick vestry was rebuilt.

The two bells in the turret are of special interest, they are the oldest bells in Nottinghamshire. The one on the left (pictured above) is dated 1200 and bears the Latin inscription "Sancta Maria" the one on the right is dated 1350 and is inscribed "Ave Maria" - the Sanctus and Angelus bells of the middle ages. The bells were probably cast in Nottingham. They were last re-hung in with new headstocks and clappers in 1934.

Another treasure is the communion plate which consists an early 16th century chalice and paten. The paten bears the date 1571 although experts believe this to have been added after this time. The chalice is stamped with a rarely found mark which indicates that it was made by a local silversmith.

The church registers date back to the time of Henry VIII and are deposited with the County Record Office in Nottingham. The font is of little interest except for its cover which is believed to be Queen Anne in origin.

Littleborough originally formed part of William the Conquerors Manor of Mansfield and the church was well endowed of him. However, during the reign of King John (1199-1216), most of this endowment was taken away and the patronage given to Geoffrey Plantagenet, the Archbishop of York, who in turn gave it to the Abbot of Welbeck. The church passed through precarious times until the patronage was acquired by the Foljambe family of Osberton in the late 19th century, with whom it remains.

With grateful thanks to the Reverend Michael Briggs for providing much of the information.