| Isaac Newton(1642-1727) was born into the puritanical, God fearing, Lincolnshire hamlet of Woolsthorpe to the west of the infant River Witham and owned largely by his farming family. On the east of the Witham, less than a mile from the Newton’s farm, was Colsterworth, a village on The Great North Road, eight miles south of Grantham, which in the mid seventeenth century, was on the way to becoming a post town. In Colsterworth, a regular stop for coaches from York to London, were several shops, inns and beerhouses. Woolsthorpe was a community in which the bible was law. Surprisingly, Isaac seemed not to be influenced by the ambience of Woolsthorpe but from an early age intensely sort the reason for everything. His search for the Truth brought him into conflict throughout his life.
I have lived near Newton’s birthplace for sixteen years and am surprised that visitors from Japan and the USA are much better informed about his life and work than his fellow countrymen. Having talked to visitors at Woolsthorpe Manor for five years I know that many find some of his science difficult to understand but they are interested to know about the man. I have tried to get beyond the myths and legends relying mostly on the quotes of the people who knew him and importantly his own confessions to God - written in code and not available until fairly recently and which give an insight into his childhood and behaviour. I have found the books by Richard Westfall the most helpful. Isaac was never deprived and his mother’s family and friends recognised his talents. It has been said that historically his character has been written by his enemies. This I would like to redress with the following synopsis of his life.
Win Clavering
winclavering@ukpeople.com
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