Grimscote

Grimscote is a hamlet in the civil parish of Cold Higham, in the West Northamptonshire district of Northamptonshire, England. Grimscote is one of 4 settlements (Cold Higham, Fosters Booth (West) and Potcote) that make up Cold Higham parish.^[2] According to the 2011 UK census, the population in Grimscote in 2011 was 241.^[1] It is understood that the name Grimscote means "Grim's Cott", Grim being another name for Woden.^[3]

The hamlet of Grimscote is mainly situated on Northampton Sand bedrock, with a band of Lower Estuarine and Upper Estuarine Limestone to the south of the settlement.^[4]

The hamlet is the largest centre of population in the parish and already was so in the early 18th century.^[5] Little is known of its history, but extensive earthworks around it might suggest that it was once much larger than it is now.^[6] The Duke of Grafton was the major landowner in Grimscote until 1919, when most of the property was sold.^[7] Grimscote has 4 Grade II listed buildings: 2 houses on Manor Road,^[8][9] a house on Penthorne Close,^[10] and 'Ivy Bank' along with its barn.^[11] The former Baptist Chapel is also on Manor Road.

Although there is no evidence of a pub today, there was once an outdoor beerhouse in Grimscote during the early 1900s. A photo taken circa 1928 shows what are presumably locals, two of whom were dressed in cricket whites, relaxing with a beer outside the beerhouse.^[7] The beer was served through a window and a bell was accessible for service.^[7]