Village History Group

Uncovering the History of a Northamptonshire Farmhouse
Kate has spent considerable time researching the history of her own home and is now a mine of information about where to find sources and how to use them.  She comes recommended by another History Group who really enjoyed her talk.

Northamptonshire and its Hearth Taxes
Deborah is a teacher from Oxfordshire with a passion for History.  Come along and hear about the Hearth Taxes; what? why? when? and how can we use the information?  The Northamptonshire Hearth Taxes records are available at The County Record Office – who knows, perhaps you will want to visit and see them after this presentation.

The Follies of Northamptonshire
Andrew is a founder member of the charity, The Folly Fellowship.  He is an authority on all things ‘follyish’ (if such a word exists). 

Where are there follies in Northamptonshire, what defines a folly and what were they for?

The History of Welton in Five Hats and a Wig
The story of six significant moments in Welton’s History, spanning seven centuries, told through the eyes of six women of Welton.  Real events and real people.

And yes, I really do wear the hats and a wig but not all at the same time!

Social Evening and Bygones Quiz
A real treat to round off the year.  Bert has an amazing collection of old tools and machines, some of which he will be bringing along this evening.  We shall have some fun working out what they are and learn a lot at the same time.  Arranged around tables this evening, so please bring your own drinks and glasses.  Savoury Nibbles provided.

The Archaeology of Stowe Landscape Gardens
Stephen is the Archaeologist leading a recent project at Stowe. In 2019, 2020 and 2021 he has been involved in the excavation of some of the “hidden” garden features. 
Come along and find out what lies hidden underground at Stowe Landscape Garden!

The Notorious Culworth Gang of South Northamptonshire
During the Eighteenth Century, The Culworth Gang terrorised South-West Northamptonshire for nearly twenty years.  It’s such an exciting story, it should have been made into a film!

Secrets and Scandals of Canon’s Ashby
Who can resist a secret or a good scandal?  It seems Canon’s Ashby has both…  No spoilers for this one!

23 Jan 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£2

27 Feb 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£4

Prehistoric Northamptonshire
Now retired, Andy worked as a field archaeologist in Northamptonshire from the 1970s, specialising in prehistoric and medieval archaeology.

27 Mar 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£4

Northamptonshire and its Hearth Taxes
Deborah is a teacher from Oxfordshire with a passion for History.  The Northamptonshire Hearth Taxes records are available at The County Record Office – who knows, perhaps you will want to visit and explore them further after this presentation.

24 Apr 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£4

History is all around you
A very different presentation this time; based on a journey in the Midlands, Anne describes different features and how they reveal the history of the area.  You will look at your surroundings in a new light!

22 May 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£4

Mary Burbridge – The innkeepers widow
Wendy has spoken to us before and we loved her!  This talk is based on her own local research and involves piecing together the life of an 18th Century Woman in West Haddon against the backdrop of enclosure, turnpiking and textile production.

26 Jun 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£4

An Englishman in the American Civil War
A letter from America found in the Northamptonshire Archives led to research about Charles Coleman.  He was born in Murcott (Long Buckby), became a successful businessman and bought a house in Welton.  Two years later he was in America taking part in the American Civil War.  What prompted him to go?  What was the national and political background to this?  What were conditions like?  What happened to him and those he left behind?

25 Sep 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

The Archaeology of Farnborough Hall Gardens
Over five years, Stephen led an archaeological project for the National Trust, to aid the restoration of the gardens at Farnborough Hall. Find out what was uncovered there. In May, there will be opportunity to visit the Hall with Stephen as guide, to see the results of the project.

23 Oct 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

In Search of Northampton Castle
Little remains now to show where Northampton Castle was, but once it was one of the most important Royal Castles in England. Archaeology has revealed what it was like.

27 Nov 23
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

“Nation shall speak peace unto nation” – 100 years of the BBC
November sees the return of one of our favourite speakers, Martin Heath, speaking on a subject close to his heart; the BBC.

22 Jan 24
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

The Quest for the Knights Templar in Middle England
For two centuries, The Knights Templar were an established order in England, then overnight it all came to an end, leading to legends of secret tunnels, treasure and intrigue. This journey takes us around some of the buildings they have left behind and tells their story (without the fictitious embellishments).

26 Feb 24
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

The Battle of Cropredy Bridge
Cropredy lies to the north of Banbury towards Daventry and was a strategic crossing point of the river Cherwell. On 29th June 1644, The Royalist army and Parliamentary army fought over who had control of Cropredy Bridge.

25 Mar 24
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

A soldier in the English Civil War
John brings reproduction equipment that a civil war soldier would have used in the seventeenth century. This is the second of our civil war themed presentations.

22 Apr 24
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

Henry Garnett and the Gunpowder Plot
(History in a Little Brass Box)
Many of us heard about Robert Catesby when we visited Ashby St. Ledgers in 2023. A major influence on Robert’s thinking was the Jesuit Priest, Henry Garnett, the last man to be executed for the Gunpowder Plot. William has a little brass box commemorating a miracle attributed to Henry, which he will bring with him. As he reveals the secrets of the box, we will learn more about Henry Garnet, his intriguing life and the turbulent times in which he lived.

22 May 24
2 pm
Farnborough Hall
Admission:
£5

Farnborough Hall and Gardens with Stephen Wass
Following the talk back in September, this is an opportunity to see first hand the restored gardens, under the guidance of Stephen Wass. There will also be opportunity to visit the house. Teas, etc. are available in the village [Usual meeting rate of £5 (to pay for our guide), there is also a NT entry on arrival].

24 Jun 24
7.30 pm
Village Hall
Admission:
£5

The History and Mystery of Punch and Judy
A real treat to finish off our year!
Mel has been on various TV shows and is a seasoned performer. This is also our social, so bring your own drinks, glasses & nibbles and enjoy the entertainment.

Shakespeare’s Flowers
Shakespeare made many references to plants and gardens. He also made use of classical mythology about plants and the current medical theory to emphasise what his actors were saying.  The presentation will cover plants, poetry and social history.

Michael is a well-respected speaker and author with an MA in Garden History.  His most recent book is “Medieval Plants and their uses” which has received a local award. He has spoken to us previously about the Victorian garden and  medieval pilgrimages.  This time, he may appear in Tudor costume.

The History of Toys

Ever wondered what children used to play with?  Or perhaps, you have an old toy you would like to find out about. 
Roger will talk about the History of Toys and bring some of his collection of toys to show.  He also encourages you to bring yours!

PS   I Can’t guarantee that this adorable robot will be there; I found him on bing free images!

A Brief History of Northamptonshire Police

Andy is a retired Police Officer.  His talk starts with the origins of the role of the Constable from the Roman Empire through to the introduction of County and Borough forces and then how our local force developed from the mid 1800’s till now. The presentation looks at some of the significant episodes in the force’s history, how it responded to the two World Wars and is supported by a wealth of historical documents and photos.

History Quiz and Social Evening

No need to organise a team in advance – we will make sure everyone has a friend and a good laugh.
Many thanks to our committee members Judi and Suzanne for writing the quiz.

Coaches, Carriages and Canals:  Northampton and Communications

“Northampton is near the centre of England so that all travellers coming thither from the remotest parts of the kingdom may be said to meet by the town in the midst of their journey…”

Northampton was a coaching town long before it became a shoe town. Its industrial growth in the 19th century connected it to the canal system and then to the railways.

We take our own journey looking at this fascinating story.

Richard III:  Hero or Villain

RICHARD 3rd’s reputation is one of an immoral usurper who seized the throne from the princes in the tower, had them murdered and capriciously ruled the country until his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth.  But is all this justified? Or is it a smear campaign generated by the House of Tudor? We examine the evidence.

Bassett-Loake of Northampton; A pastime today – a business tomorrow

Wenman Joseph Bassett-Loake developed his pastime of model making into a business.  This talk is based around a number of ephemera which Douglas has collected over the years. We explore Bassett-Loake’s early life, the development of a business creating model trains and ships and involvement in larger scale projects (miniature passenger railways, town planning) and his other interests.

Day time visit to 78 Derngate Street, Northampton – the family home of Wenman Joseph Bassett-Loake. Date TBA

To follow up on the information about Bassett-Loake, we plan to arrange a trip to see his stunning home at 78 Derngate Street. 
Designed by Charles Rennie-MacIntosh, it has been restored to original condition. 

There is a charge to go into the house (currently £10).

Medieval Medicine

Charlotte has previously talked to us about the Staffordshire Hoard and is an interesting and knowledgeable speaker