Thornton-on-the-Hill

The 'thorn hill' from which the settlement takes its name was first recorded in 1167. On the flat of the hill, earthworks show the remains of house sites, tracks and fishponds, that belonged to the deserted medieval Thornton village. Some of the building materials from the former village were incorporated into the nearby Grade II listed High House in Thorton Lane. High House was built in the 15th century, with the rear wing dating to the following century and further renovations in the mid-late 19th century for then owner George Orby Wombwell. During the 1800s, the settlement's population remained at around 70 people with a mid-century peak of 97 in 1861.