History of Watnall
Watnall is a village in the Broxtowe district of Nottinghamshire, situated between Kimberley and Hucknall. The name is recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Watenole', meaning 'nook of land where woad grows' — woad being the blue dye plant used by the ancient Britons. Watnall is divided into two parts: Watnall Chaworth and Watnall Cantelupe, named after the medieval families who held the respective manors. Watnall Hall, a fine Elizabethan house, was home to the Rolleston family for generations. Coal mining was an important industry in the area, with Watnall Colliery operating from 1874 to 1965. Today Watnall is a residential village that retains much of its historic character.