A (very) brief history
Stetchworth is mentioned in the Domesday Book, and has existed since at least 1050. In
those days it was known as Stunicesworde or Sti(ui)cesuuorde. The name means either Stub's
Worth (meaning homestead) or, rather more imaginatively, 'an enclosed homestead near a tree
stump'. The Domesday Book entry details ownership by Hardwin of Scales, the Abbot of Ely,
and Count Alan, before stating intriguingly that the village was 'once a town'.
Until recently the village has been purely agricultural, with many residents working in the
racing industry at one of the three stud farms. It has long been a seat of the Earl of
Ellesmere (hence the name of the community and sports centre).
The oldest building in the
village is St Peter's Church, which is medieval. One of the bells in the tower has been
dated to 1450.
Alumni
Famous residents past and present are mainly connected with racing (hardly suprising
given the proximity to Newmarket). They include:
Frankie Dettori (jockey)
Steve Cauthen (jockey)
Jason Orange's mum (of Take That, remember them?) who was born in the Marquis of Granby
The Duke of Sutherland