House linked to Newton and famous apple tree discovered

(Dan Tri) - British archaeologists have just found the ruins of a 17th-century house where Newton's mother once lived, near the site of his famous apple tree.

Isaac Newton developed his theory of gravity thanks to the apple tree on the land where the house is located (Photo: Adobe.com)

In a recent press release, the National Trust – the organisation that preserves places of historic or natural beauty in England – announced that they had found a treasure trove of everyday objects at the site of his mother's former home near Woolsthorpe Manor, an estate turned museum near Grantham, Lincolnshire.

Isaac Newton was born and raised at Woolsthorpe Manor. In 1665, he left Cambridge University during the Great Plague, and is said to have developed his theory of universal gravitation thanks to a tree on the grounds.

Although he and his mother lived on the same property, they did not live under the same roof. After his father's death, Newton's mother, Hannah Ayscough, remarried a clergyman and Newton was raised by his grandparents.

When her second husband died, Mrs. Ayscough arranged for a house to be built next to Woolsthorpe Manor. She lived there with her children from her second marriage.

The National Trust says it has found a wealth of everyday objects at the site of Isaac Newton's mother's former home (Photo: National Trust).

Archaeologists believe Mrs Ayscough's house was destroyed in a fire in the early 1800s, but its ruins have only been discovered in recent excavations.

"Isaac Newton didn't actually live in that house, but it's very close to Woolsthorpe Manor, where he lived," said Allan King, director of communications for the National Trust.

Archaeologists believe Newton's mother's house was destroyed in a fire in the early 1800s (Photo: National Trust).

Although the famous apple tree on the grounds was felled in the early 19th century, another was replanted in the same location in 1820 and remains there to this day.

According to Mr. Allan King, Newton may have visited this house regularly.

“Isaac Newton didn’t actually live in that house, but it’s very close to Woolsthorpe Manor, where he lived,” said Mr King. “So, of course, we can assume that he would have visited regularly and may have had family meals there.” The artifacts will go on display at Woolsthorpe Manor next year.

The National Trust says it has spent five years uncovering these treasures, as it only acquired the land next to Woolsthorpe Manor in 2020.

“A 1797 sketch by JC Barrow showed the house, and survey work over the past few years, carried out by the South Witham Archaeological Group and the University of Leicester, has unearthed further evidence to support the correct excavation,” the Foundation statement added.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/phat-hien-ngoi-nha-lien-quan-den-newton-va-cay-tao-noi-tieng-20250911023420639.htm