A village of possible Danish origin, “Achesthorp” was mentioned in the Domesday Survey of 1086. In the late 15th Century, the Manor of Oakthorpe was sold by the Abneys of Willesley to the Gresleys of Drakelow. It was acquired by the Earls of Huntingdon in 1587.
The village suffered from underground fires in the 1980’s when coal seams near the surface spontaneously combusted. Some villagers were digging up potatoes from their gardens already cooked.
The Saltersford Valley Picnic area originated when subsidence along the line of the Saltersford Brook created a series of ponds which were colonised by wildlife. Decking across the lake and a secluded woodland park now provide a tranquil picnic area. It has all weather trails suitable for wheelchair use.