Leicestershire Historian

Editor: Joyce Lee

Complete Volume

Contents

Editorial

Luke Danes

‘Blowing Up the “Left-Overs” ’ – Garendon Park and the problem of North Leicestershire’s post-war ammunition stockpiles, 1945-1951

The danger posed by unexploded weapons n the countryside after the end of World War II is graphically illustrated by a unique map in an article by Luke Danes, who focuses on the problem of North Leicestershire's post-war ammunition stockpiles in the Garendon Park area which necessitated specialist teams to dispose of them and sent shockwaves echoing through the local community.

Sam Dobson

‘A Feast of Fine Music’ – The story of Leicester Orchestral Union, Leicester’s pioneer orchestra

Sam Dobson relates the hitherto untold story of the pioneering Leicester Orchestral Union using music memorabilia and family recollections, newspapers, and other archival sources, to give recognition to the LOU's well-deserved place in Leicester's orchestral tradition.

Andy Kirkland

How the Loughborough College Handicraft Course (1930-1960s) for prospective Teachers became of National Importance

In the world of arts and crafts, influenced by two of the most eminent leading lights of the Cotswold School - Peter Waals and Edward Barnsley, Andy Kirkland explains how Loughborough College's Handicraft Course became nationally recognised for the role it played in training students in practical furniture design.

Cynthia Brown

Fancy and functional – Cardboard Box Manufacture in Leicester in the 19th and early 20th centuries

The previously little-known industry of cardboard box manufacture in Leicester, is highlighted through Cynthia Brown's comprehensive and informative study of its development, and its relationship with the town's hosiery and footwear manufacture, and its magnitude and importance to the town's economy.

Bob Trubshaw

Goodbye ‘Belvoir Angels’, Hello ‘Soul Effigies’

Bob Trubshaw shares his latest work on the 'Belvoir Angels', many of which can be found on gravestones in the Vale of Belvoir, using parallels found in New England burial grounds and memorials elsewhere to argue the case that these really should be known as 'Soul Effigies'.

Colin Hyde

Laurel Aitken, ‘the Godfather of Ska’

Colin Hyde recognises the life and achievements that Leicester's adopted citizen Laurel Aitken, 'the Godfather of Ska', made to ska and reggae and his influence on bands such as the Specials and the 2-Tone movement.

Georgina J. W. Maltby and Andrew J. Loutit

Theodora Salusbury (1875-1956): Leicestershire stained glass designer and maker

Nationally respected stained glass designer and maker, Theodora Salusbury whose work can be found in many churches in England and Wales, and who was brought up and initially trained in Leicester, is the inspirational subject of Georgina J.W. Maltby and Andrew J. Loutit's illuminating article.

Robert F. Hartley

Hinckley's Spitfire Pilot and Archaeologist Extraordinaire – James Pickering (1915-2004)

Archaeology and flying combine in Robert F. Hartley's article which looks at the extraordinary life of Hinckley's James Pickering, first as a World War II pilot, and who afterwards became one of the 'greats' of aerial archaeology, and whose many aerial photographic images now form an important part of the archives of Historic England and the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland.

Richard Graves

Dr Ethel Miles Thomas: Pioneering Scientist of the early 20th century, First Female Head of Department at University College, Leicester

Richard Graves' thoroughly researched article about Dt. Ethel Miles Thomas's work will help ensure that Dr.. Thomas will be remembered as a pioneering scientist and botanist, as the first female head of department at University College, Leicester, and for her support of women in academia during the early years of the twentieth century.

Bernadette Challinor

From Knighton to Mayfair and St Leonards and back – Domestic Service and Social Mobility in the Victorian Era

Bringing the contrasting lives of Victorian female servants to light, Bernadette Challinor uses case studies from Leicester, which follow the lives of two sisters from Knighton to Mayfair and St Leonards, the result being a fascinating story of domestic service and social mobility in the Victorian era.

Joyce Lee

Market Harborough’s unique collection of post medieval Street Toys - Context and Concealment?

Archaeology meets social history in Joyce Lee's research into Market Harborough's nationally important, unique collection of post medieval street toys, now in the care of Leicestershire County Council Museums. This article aims to expand on what little has been written about the toys, and also looks at the circumstances which may have led to these and other objects being unexpectedly found in a blocked-up church stairwell.

Ed Cynthia Brown

Recent Publications

This year reviews range from the Anglo-Saxon settlement at Eye Kettleby, the Medieval Earthworks of Rutland, and Leicestershire and Rutland holy wells, to town and village histories, Loughborough pubs, the Leicester and Swannington Railway and Leicester tramways.