John Hurt, the famous actor, lived in the local Shirebrook Vicarage during the time his father was vicar there in the 1940’s. However, there is also a local connection with Mansfield Woodhouse and Stuffynwood Hall. John Hurt's forebears lived in Mansfield Woodhouse. The 1871 census, records Henry Hurt, gardener in Mansfield Woodhouse, aged 13. Henry Hurt was John Hurt’s grandfather. The 1881 census, records Henry Hurt, born in Mansfield Woodhouse, living on the Stuffynwood Estate at 1 Nutshell Cottage, aged 23, domestic gardener, head of household living with his mother, Rebecca Johnstone, also born in Mansfield Woodhouse. In 1889 Henry Hurt married a teacher, Emily Corbutt Browne, living at Grimsby. They were married at Caistor nearby. The 1891 census, records Henry living in Northamptonshire. The 1901 census, records that he was then a grocer merchant living at Nutshell, Broadgreen, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. He had 3 children, however, John Hurt’s father, Arnold, was not born until 1904. Henry's youngest son, John Hurt's father, became a Vicar, another son became a monk! John Hurt himself tells of his strict religious upbringing. Did Henry leave Stuffynwood with deep religious beliefs instilled by the pious way of life there? Did he receive the Apostolic Blessing during Bishop Welles' stay in the summer of 1888? Did the Nuns living up at the Hall influence him!

 

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