Worksop, a large market town by the meandering River Ryton, stands on the edge of Sherwood Forest in north Nottinghamshire. Widely known as the 'Gateway to the Dukeries', this fascinating town has an ancient history predating the Norman Conquest of 1066. With its rich and varied history, Worksop is surrounded by vast country estates and stately homes such as Welbeck, Clumber and Rufford, once part of the larger ancient forest of Sherwood. The passing years have seen many changes in the town's industrial and social evolution. During the eighteenth century, Worksop was known for its significant liquorice production and with the arrival of the canal and the railway, industries such as chair manufacturing, breweries and mining brought a wealth of growth to the market town. Service industries have now paved the way forward and Worksop is once again a thriving town full of historical character.