Issue number 125

Newsletter Winter 2024

Welcome to the latest edition of the LAHS Newsletter. Contributions to future editions of the Newsletter are as always welcome at any time. These can be emailed to the Newsletter editor, Cynthia Brown, at newsletter@lahs.org.uk.

Edited by Cynthia Brown

LAHS LECTURE PROGRAMME FOR 2024 - 25

All lectures commence at 7.30 pm. Please note the different venue for the 2025 lectures.

12 December 2024, Rattray Lecture Theatre, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH

Leicester: an Anglo-Saxon diocese

Thomas Vare, PhD student, University of Leicester

In the seventh century, Roman and Irish missionaries converted the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, and the bishopric of the Middle Angles was established, encompassing Leicester and the East Midlands. Its early history is obscure. When was it established? Where was it based? What authority did it have over the region? How did conversion to Christianity impact the East Midlands? Answering even these basic questions is difficult for the early medieval historian, and the evidence gathered to begin to address them forms the basis of this talk.

The following lectures will be held at the Ken Edwards Lecture Theatre 3, University of Leicester, LE1 7RH. Information about car parking will be provided nearer the time.

23 January 2025,

Fieldworkers and Fieldschools: discovering a Roman settlement at Laughton

Adam Clapton, University of Leicester Archaeological Services

13 February 2025

LAHS Members’ Evening

If you would like to present the results of your research to fellow members, please

email lectures@lahs.org.uk with your proposal.

13 March 2025

The Alan and Joan North Memorial Lecture: the life of a Roman soldier and the story of the last battle of Boudica AD 60/61

Eddie Smallwood, historian, author and tour guide

10 April 2025

Diet of the Grey family at Bradgate House: bringing together the historical and archaeological evidence

Rachel Small, University of Leicester Archaeological Services

LAHS NEWS

LEICESTERSHIRE HISTORIAN 2024 – A PREVIEW

This year’s edition of the Leicestershire Historian will be sent out to LAHS members later this month. Here is a preview of its contents.

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

Fancy and functional: Cardboard Box Manufacture in Leicester in the 19th and early 20th centuries - Cynthia Brown

‘A Feast of Fine Music’: The story of Leicester Orchestral Union, Leicester’s pioneer orchestra - Sam Dobson

From Knighton to Mayfair and St Leonards and back: Domestic Service and Social Mobility in the Victorian Era - Bernadette Challinor

Goodbye ‘Belvoir Angels’, Hello ‘Soul Effigies’ - Bob Trubshaw

Laurel Aitken, ‘the Godfather of Ska’ - Colin Hyde

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

Georgina J. W. Maltby and Andrew J. Loutit

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

Robert F. Hartley

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

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

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

Recent Publications - Ed Cynthia Brown

This will be the last edition of the Leicestershire Historian to be edited by Joyce Lee, after 20 years in this role, and we would like to extend our sincere thanks to her on behalf of members for her hard work and dedication in producing such a lively, readable and informative publication. As a token of appreciation, Joyce was presented with a framed John Flower print and a copy of Finds Identified III: Materials, Manufacture & Design at the recent LAHS AGM. We wish her well in the projects she is planning for the future. Please see below for her personal message to LAHS members.

FROM JOYCE LEE, EDITOR OF THE LEICESTERSHIRE HISTORIAN

This year marks what is a notable anniversary for the Leicestershire Historian in that the 2024 edition is the 60th Diamond Jubilee volume. For myself, this year is also my 20th year as editor, and having thought about it long and hard, it is now time for me to leave my role. I want to thank all the many talented and knowledgeable contributors of articles to the Leicestershire Historian with whom it has been a privilege to work. Also, to those who contribute to the invaluable Recent Publications section and to its editor Cynthia Brown. To Central Print at Leicestershire County Council, my partner who has been my proofreader, the ever-helpful staff at the Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland, and at Leicestershire Museums and Leicester Museums & Galleries, and many other organisations and individuals. And to all members of the LAHS and the Committee past and present. To everyone who has given their time freely, and whose support and enthusiasm for the Leicestershire Historian has been amazing, and has helped make it - a very big ‘Thank you’!

It is a role which I’ve personally found tremendously engaging, interesting, enjoyable and stimulating, ever since Alan McWhirr first asked me to take over as editor. It has been a wonderful opportunity which I am extremely grateful to have been given. I am planning to use the extra time partly to concentrate on my own research and writing, and to pick up on a large number of unfinished projects and ideas for projects that I have; also my art work, as well as carrying on with my voluntary work on the British Museum’s Portable Antiquities Scheme, and with Leicestershire Museums Archaeology Collections. I will be keeping up my membership of the LAHS, and hope to see friends - many of whom I’ve made through the Leicestershire Historian - colleagues and contacts, at future LAHS events.

Joyce Lee, Editor Leicestershire Historian, 2005-2024

PUBLIC HERITAGE FUND

Some excellent news about the Hallaton Helmet Re-display and Replica Project, funded in part by the LAHS Public Heritage Fund:

Leicestershire County Council (LCC) Museums are delighted to have won the Society for Museum Archaeology Annual Awards for Excellence 2024 (Exhibition project) for their Hallaton Helmet Re-display and Replica Project. It is wonderful that the Harborough Museum re-display of this internationally important Roman cavalry helmet and newly commissioned replicas has captured the attention of the general public and academics alike. It was also fantastic to be able to work with Hallaton Museum to enable them to have their own replica helmet, created by silversmith Rajesh Gogna.

The judging panel commented: ‘A really nicely conceived project, beautifully executed and willed into existence through expert engagement with stakeholders and funders’; and ‘An excellent project incorporating new research, artefacts and additional elements (replica) to bring new focus and additional context to a display. The application shows significant consideration of the wide-reaching benefits the re-display has had’. LCC Museums would once again like to thank their extremely generous local funders, including Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society. For further information on the project visit www.leicestershirecollections.org.uk/behind-the-scenes.

LAHS DISSERTATION PRIZES 2025 IN LEICESTERSHIRE & RUTLAND ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY – A REMINDER

LAHS awards four annual dissertation prizes for extended projects that focus on the Archaeology and/or History of Leicestershire and/or Rutland. There are two prizes for Archaeology, for the best Undergraduate (BA/BSc) and the best Post-Graduate (M-level) dissertations, and two prizes for History, one for Undergraduate and one for Postgraduate levels. The subject area includes comparative studies, where Leicestershire/Rutland is one of the main comparisons used, and where examples from the counties are the majority of those used. It also includes art and design histories, and museum and heritage studies where the focus is on Leicestershire and/or Rutland. The 2025 prize is for dissertations written during the 2023-24 academic year. Dissertations should not previously have been published or be in publication. Each prize winner will be awarded £250 and the opportunity to publish some of their work in the Leicestershire Historian. The abstract will be published on the LAHS website at LAHS Dissertation Prizes. The deadline for 2025 prizes is 31 December 2024. An application form should be submitted along with a copy of the dissertation. This is available on the LAHS website at LAHS Dissertation Prizes. Enquiries should be directed to the convenor of the prize committee, Professor Elizabeth Tingle, at competitions@lahs.org.uk.

IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY A MEMBER OF LAHS - WHY NOT JOIN?

Membership of LAHS offers a wealth of benefits, including copies of our two annual publications, the Leicestershire Historian and the Transactions of the Society. Members can access our current publications in digital format, and previous publications are available through the Archaeological Data Service. Regular Newsletters and updates on the activities of LAHS are also circulated by email. Very importantly, membership offers a forum for those interested in researching and learning about different aspects of Leicestershire and Rutland's past. You will also be entitled to vote at our AGM and help shape the future of the Society.

Student membership is free, and carries the same benefits as Individual membership, with the exception of copies of the Society's two annual publications and a vote at the AGM. You can join LAHS on our website at Membership application - LAHS by completing an online application, or printing off a paper copy to send to our Hon. LAHS Membership Secretary Gillian Rawlins, c/o LAHS, The Guildhall, Guildhall Lane, Leicester, LE1 5F.

OTHER NEWS

PHILIP R. FRENCH

We were very sorry to hear of the death in November of Philip French, former Curator of Social History at Newarke Houses Museum in Leicester, and a regular contributor of book reviews to the Leicestershire Historian. Philip studied politics and history at the University of Leicester, graduating in 1990, and later gained a postgraduate degree in Museum Studies, also at Leicester. Following his retirement in 2019 he continued to study a variety of subjects, and to give talks on historical subjects, alongside voluntary community work. His former colleagues remember him as a kind hearted and generous man, very knowledgeable, particularly about military history, and always willing to support and encourage other people in their own historical research. We send our sincere condolences to his family.

GREATER WIGSTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY – CONGRATULATIONS ON A NATIONAL AWARD!

Many congratulations to Greater Wigston Historical Society and Heritage Centre (GWHS), which has recently been honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service for ‘establishing and running an outstanding research and advice centre, preserving Wigston's community heritage’. This is the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK, and holds the same value as an MBE. Representatives of the society will receive the domed glass crystal award and certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur OBE CStJ, and two volunteers from the group will be invited to attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May 2025, along with other recipients of this year’s Award. Further information about GWHS can be found on the society’s website at Greater Wigston Historical Society.

BUILDING FOR A BOROUGH: HOUSING THE PEOPLE OF LOUGHBOROUGH, 1861-1900 – A FREE ONLINE PUBLICATION

Dave Fogg Postles has recently made available this history of housing in Loughborough as a free download at https://davelinux.info/BOOKS/building.pdf.

THE STORY OF LEICESTER CIVIC SOCIETY

From the Leicester Civic Society (LCS) November newsletter:

Did you know that many of the records of the Leicester Civic Society, established in 1971, are held for public viewing at the Leicestershire Record Office in Wigston? Much of the collection relates to our long-time Chairman and enduring inspiration, Stuart Bailey. This is an incredible collection. If you have any questions, please email leicestercivicsociety@gmail.com. Below are some of the catalogue numbers and summaries of what they contain:

DE 7543. Leicester Civic Society Records 1972-2007

DE 7782/9. Leicester Civic Society Archivist Files 1972-2009

DE 9031. Leicester Civic Society Scrapbooks 2012-14

DE 9371. Leicester Civic Society Chairman’s Scrapbooks

There is also an interview with Stuart Bailey held at the East Midlands Oral History Archive (EMOHA Collection 2316, EM/143) - https://le.ac.uk/emoha. Using this archive, we intend to explore in detail some of the issues tackled by LCS over the years in future editions of the Leicester Citizen, our biannual members’ magazine.

LEICESTER MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES - DRYAD BASKETRY: A GLOBAL COLLECTION

This exhibition explores the history of basketry by looking at baskets and woven objects from the Dryad ‘Handicrafts’ collection. This was gathered between 1918 and 1936 by Harry Peach, a Leicester-based businessman, who was interested in craft and design. This is the first time Dryad basketry has been featured in its own dedicated exhibition, allowing visitors to admire the objects and follow their journeys from around the world to Leicester. The exhibition is the outcome of an AHRC-funded research project, guest-curated by Maria Chiara Scuderi, in collaboration with the University of Leicester and Leicester Museums and Galleries. It is on display at Leicester Museum & Art Gallery until 9 March 2025. You can access an interview with Maria about the exhibition at Curator Interview - Dryad Basketry – Leicester Museums.

UK SOUTH ASIAN DIGITAL ARCHIVE LAUNCH

The UK South Asian Digital Archive (UKSADA) aims to create a comprehensive and accessible archive of the rich heritage of South Asians in Britain. LAHS was pleased to contribute through its Public Heritage Fund to an exhibition, ‘Stories that should be told’, unveiled at the official launch of the project at the Phoenix cinema and arts centre in Leicester in October 2024. The launch was hosted by the BBC’s Kamlesh Purohit, and featured a keynote speech by award-winning filmmaker Ruhi Hamid, who reflected on the power of storytelling in preserving cultural legacies. Pippa Virdee, Professor of Modern South Asian History at De Montfort University, also spoke of the role of digital archives in ensuring the accessibility and longevity of community stories. The formal proceedings concluded with a panel discussion of why South Asian stories should be told, before the unveiling of the exhibition and opportunities for networking. 

As a mark of the importance attached to the project locally, the launch was attended by Colonel Richard Hurwood, representing the Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire; Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby; the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Leicester, Bhupen and Usha Dave; and Leicester East MP Shivani Raja. Nisha Popat, Chair of UKSADA, who came to Britain at the age of nine, later reflected on a project ‘very close to my heart… As someone who has navigated the balance of British and Asian identity, this archive is both a personal and collective effort. It will reflect the journeys of countless individuals whose stories deserve to be remembered. Because if we don’t tell our stories who will?’.

This is an ambitious project that will start small and grow gradually, focusing initially on the East Midlands. Every member of the project team is a volunteer, each bringing to it their own skills and experience, but sharing a firm belief in its value, and a commitment to preserving and celebrating the diverse heritage of South Asian communities in the UK – not just for South Asians but for everyone. It is also intended to be a collaborative effort to which everyone is invited to contribute, whether by sharing a family story, volunteering some time to work on the archive, or helping to fund its future development. To get involved – or simply to see how the project is developing - visit www.uksada.co.uk.

PRESERVING A. W.N. PUGIN’S CHURCH – ST MARY’S, WYMESWOLD

In September 2024 St Mary’s church in Wymeswold was awarded a grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for repairs to its roof, and a community heritage project. The latter will work with community groups including Wymeswold School, youth groups and volunteers from the villages, alongside project partners Wolds Historical Organisation, Wymeswold Church Appeal Fund, and Wymeswold Methodist Church. Further details can be found at WHO outline Details on Heritage Project 02 (RT for PDF).

‘COTESBACH 1824 – SEEDS OF THE OXFORD MOVEMENT’

Sophy Newton, Heritage Manager for the Cotesbach Educational Trust, has recently contributed an article to the Newman Review, published by the National Institute for Newman Studies, on the links between Cotesbach and the Oxford Movement. This can be accessed at Cotesbach 1824: Seeds of the Oxford Movement | Newman Review.

A TRAIL EXPLORING THE LIFE OF THE FIELDING JOHNSON BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF LEICESTER

If you have not already seen it, it is worth having a look at a trail created by Amy Mckay (illustrator) and Elizabeth Blood (researcher) for the University of Leicester Heritage Hub. The Fielding Johnson Building occupies a prominent hill on what was called the South Field, outside Leicester’s original Borough walls. When it was built, it was remote from the centre of Leicester, and predates Welford Road Cemetery, the establishment of Victoria Park (formerly the Racecourse), and the park’s Grandstand. During its lifetime, the Fielding Johnson Building has witnessed some fascinating history and has had three main uses. All of them are covered in the trail, which will explain the building’s original extent and how it has evolved over time. It can be downloaded at Heritage Hub: Fielding Johnson Building Trail.

FORTHCOMING EVENTS

GREATER WIGSTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Little Hill Primary School, Launceston Road, Wigston Magna, LE18 2GZ

PLEASE NOTE THE SOCIETY’S NEW VENUE

Doors open 6.45 for 7.15 pm start. Free to members; non-members £4 per person. Further details: Greater Wigston Historical Society.

Tuesday 21 January 2025

Discovering ‘10-Row’, Wigston

Mark Startin

Tuesday 18 February 2025

Henry VII: route To Bosworth and the Crown

Eddie Smallwood

Tuesday 18th March

Medieval Pilgrimages From Leicestershire

Peter Liddle

LEICESTERSHIRE FIELDWORKERS

Thursday 16 January 2025, Rattray Lecture Theatre,

University of Leicester, LE1 7RH, 7.30 pm

Ice Age Journeys – hunting the colonisers of 14,500 years ago in the East Midlands

Daryl Garton, University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS)

Ice Age Journeys is a community project designed to explore links between hunter-gatherer sites dating to c.14,500 years ago, when people recolonised Britain towards the end of the last Ice Age. This presentation will look at some highlights of the project this far. Free entry; all welcome. For more details, see Talks Programme – Leicestershire Fieldworkers.

LEICESTERSHIRE AND RUTLAND FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY – LEICESTER GROUP

Friends Meeting House, 16 Queen’s Road, Leicester, LE2 1WP, 7.30 pm

In-person meetings will resume in March 2025. For a list of talks via Zoom, see LRFHS - Latest News. For further details of these and meetings of LRFHS branches in Hinckley, Loughborough, Market Harborough and Oakham, see LRFHS - Meetings. If you would like to be added to the mailing list for news and meeting updates, please email leicester@lrfhs.or.uk.

MARKET HARBOROUGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Methodist Church Hall, Northampton Rd, Market Harborough, LE16 9HE, 7.30 pm

Wednesday 11 December 2024

The impact of the wartime food campaign in transforming farming in the Market Harborough area

John Martin

The Market Harborough Welland Valley region had long been renowned as the premium pastoral region for graziers fattening beef cattle. John will talk about how the agriculture of the Harborough area has changed during the last 90 years. focusing on the impact of World War II and its unprecedented effects.

8 January 2025

Change From The Published Programme

A Leicestershire boy made good? the first Duke of Buckingham

Kevin Dopson

George Villiers was born at Brooksby near Melton Mowbray in 1592. As favourite to James I, he dominated political life in the 1620s, both at home and on the Continent. This talk will cover his spectacular rise to power, his part in the Charles I’s marriage negotiations, and the many connections George had with the East Midlands.

12 February 2025

Lady of the House

Charlotte Furness

This talk will focus on two genteel women who were born, raised, lived and died within the world of England's country houses - Mary and Elizabeth Isham of Lamport Hall - with some reference to others such as Lady Elizabeth Manners, Duchess of Rutland.

Doors open 7 pm. All are welcome. There is a £1 door charge to help with room hire. Non-members pay an additional £3. Further details of the Society’s 2024 – 25 programme are now available at Market Harborough Historical Society - Programme

ARCHAEOLOGY

PREHISTORIC AND ROMAN ACTIVITY BY ULAS AT COSSINGTON

The following is extracted with permission from the latest edition of the ULAS Newsletter, which is available in full at ULAS News Autumn 2024. 

Following a trial trench evaluation in 2023, an open-area excavation began in August 2024, in advance of a new residential development in Cossington, Leicestershire. The evaluation identified a series of Roman and other undated features. Most significant from the evaluation was a near complete grey ware jar containing burnt bone which included chicken bone. Excavation of the targeted areas for stripping has only consisted of small-scale characterisation so far, therefore dating is at this stage inconclusive. The site is very close to the large Sileby excavation which was carried out over a similar period last year, which produced evidence of Iron Age and Roman enclosure activity. Evidence so far at Cossington indicates Iron Age and Roman activity, although there is also more struck flint than would normally be expected, and several fragmentary polished axe heads have also been recovered – perhaps indicating earlier activity too.

Area A consists of features that are probably mainly of a mid-late Iron Age date. Near the centre of Area A, a series of north-south ditches are thought to be a drove-way system. These ditches run across a part of the site where the water table is high, and a series of pits here are producing waterlogged material, including timber and wood structures. These pits were almost certainly for water extraction. Running east-west across the north part of Area A is a further series of linear features, including a segmented ditch, other ditches, and a pit alignment. At the east of this area these linear features are associated with the south-west corner of a large enclosure, which continues beyond the site boundary. South of the linear feature arrangement is a small, square enclosure. To the south, Area B is exposing multiple enclosures, hearths, and some structural remains, and what is likely to be a continuation of the drove-way system.

Several noteworthy finds have already been recovered, including a good assemblage of primary refuse of Roman date, an Iron Age and several Roman coins. A large lead object which may be a bucket has also been excavated in the Roman Area (Area B). The lithics initially look to be a mixed assemblage including some Mesolithic, along with Neolithic and Bronze Age material. The waterlogged area is also producing animal bone – a rare survival due to the acidic conditions of the natural subsoils, which along with environmental remains will provide good subsistence and economy evidence. More will follow as the excavation team increases during the Autumn.

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

HINCKLEY HISTORIAN – MAGAZINE OF HINCKLEY AND DISTRICT MUSEUM,

NO 94, WINTER 2024

Various authors

Hinckley and District Museum, 40pp, illus

This edition of the Hinckley Historian opens with biographical notes by Paul Griffiths on the individuals elected to Hinckley Urban District Council from its formation in 1894 to the First World War. These were all men - women were by then eligible to stand in local elections, but none came forward – and most were also self-employed businessmen, including publicans, builders and manufacturers. Often they were Liberal in politics, ‘although relations were cordial and the Council was not organised on political lines’. Many were also Nonconformists, and some had previously served on the Hinckley Local Board or as Poor Law Guardians.

A second substantial article, compiled by David J. Knight, draws on reports in the Leicester Mercury from the 1850s, which had a section devoted to Hinckley. Many of these were concerned with the local hosiery trade, still not fully recovered from the hardships of the ‘Hungry Forties’; and wages in the shoemaking industry were also depressed at the beginning of the decade. While consumers benefited from lower bread prices, local farmers were adversely affected by cheap foreign imports following the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. Among the other issues aired in the Mercury were the survival of the ‘ineffective’ manorial court; the supply of water to the town, requiring a massive investment of money not then available; the lack of space for new burials around the parish church; and complaints about cruelty to animals at the fairs. Accounts of Bonfire Night and Christmas celebrations, and the Sunday Schools’ Annual Gala, add lighter notes to a very interesting and informative overview of Hinckley at this time. The magazine concludes with short items on a map of Wykin in 1888, and a timeline of Hinckley and District Museum from 1991 to the present.

TIGERS IN THE TRENCHES: THE LEICESTERSHIRE REGIMENT

ON THE WESTERN FRONT, 1914 – 1918

Robin P. Jenkins

Look-out Press, 2024, 288pp, illus, ISBN 97817395815

All the Leicestershire Regiment’s active service battalions – Regular, Territorial or Kitchener’s Army – served on the Western Front during the First World War, and the ‘Tigers’ were present at every major battle. This new publication from LAHS member Robin Jenkins provides a comprehensive account of their experiences and contributions to the war, weaving together personal accounts such as letters, diaries and memoirs and the wider historical context of different campaigns. It has been ‘well over a decade in the making’, as he notes, since his Record Office work on the centenary of the war confirmed his belief that official records could be enhanced by those of individual soldiers – and retirement eventually gave him the time to bring the two together. A few examples may give a sense of how well this works, and the insights offered by personal accounts.

The well-known belief in the early stages of the war that it would be ‘over by Christmas’ is echoed by Private Herbert Bailiss, a reservist from Nailstone, who wrote that: ‘We are winning all along the line. If things go on like this, I think that the war won’t last long, as we seem to have them bottled up…’. As time went on, it is well known that rats and lice became a major source of irritation, both literally and in letters home; but less obvious was what was involved in the distribution of food in the trenches. ‘I am constantly on the go’, one officer of the 4^th Leicesters, presumed to be the Quartermaster, wrote to the provision merchants Simpkin and James in Leicester: ‘I have the number of men in each trench, which is numbered or lettered, and we make their food up in sand bags for each trench’. The many accounts of the taking of the Hohenzollern Redoubt, with ‘truly appalling’ casualties, are among the most vivid. As Private Claude Alexander wrote to his parents: ‘You can feel proud…We had to pay for it though’, with the loss of 20 officers and 453 Other Ranks. By contrast, the chapter entitled ‘Bored to tears and covered in mud’ conveys the tedium of the times of quiet, but also the ‘plenty of work’ involved in repairing the trenches, fetching water and rations, and taking turns as sentries.

Many other examples could be given from this deeply researched, very informative and well-illustrated book, which adds a new dimension to the history of the Leicestershire Regiment on the Western Front through such personal accounts. As might be expected from a former archivist, there is an extensive Bibliography and a comprehensive Index that incorporates references to individual soldiers, enabling anyone with a family connection to identify them with ease. The book is available directly from Lookout Press, 31A, Victoria Street, Fleckney, Leicester LE8 8AZ at the price of £18, including 1^st class postage and packing. Cheques should be payable to Robin P. Jenkins, and bank transfer can be arranged through https://heritageco.co.uk/contact-robin/ if preferred.

COSBY: A LEICESTERSHIRE VILLAGE – THE SECOND VOLUME, by Brian Screaton. This is published by Independent Publishing Network, 2024, 272pp, illus, ISBN 9781836542650, £20. Email brianscreaton@gmail.com about how to purchase a copy. A review of the book will appear in the LAHS Spring 2025 Newsletter.

A HISTORICAL FOOTNOTE

A very Happy Christmas to you all. Victorian newspapers in Leicester often carried detailed descriptions of the decorations in churches in the town and county. One can only wonder who compiled these descriptions, as they have the tone of someone visiting to report on them, rather than being submitted from the churches themselves. Here is a sample from the Leicester Journal of 2 January 1863.

‘CHRISTMAS DECORATION OF CHURCHES. Before giving our usual notice of the Christmas church decorations in Leicester and the County, we quote the following remarks on the subject from our contemporary, the Building News, which, as an architectural paper, may be looked upon as an authority in such matters… “In these decorations the chief object ought to be to place them in such positions as will be least obstructive. The architectural lines and features of a church unquestionably answer this object, and therefore are the fittest positions for evergreens and floral decoration. What can be more pleasing than to see the deep hollows of the arches and string-courses emphasized with dark evergreens; or the rich foliated windows accentuated at their cuspings [moulded projections] with the sharp and jagged holly or ivy leaves?”

‘Indeed, most of our gothic churches offer splendid facilities for decoration. Let us take a single or double-aisled church, and begin with the pillars. What is a more effective or appropriate manner of decorating than to enwreath, spirally, round pillars. If they happen to be round or octagonal, this is the only proper way of ornamenting them, as well as the prettiest. We would suggest the use of cord or copper wire, not too thick, on which to fasten thin twine, the twigs of holly, yew, arborvitae [an evergreen coniferous tree], or spruce fir, in layers. A rope made of twigs has also been suggested; and certainly would be the best if time were not an object… The arches—if deeply moulded with hollows—readily adapt themselves for flexible bands or trails of evergreen. The chancel arch, and arches of principal doorways and windows, especially call for such ornamentation’.

There follow detailed descriptions of the decorations in some local churches. Those in St. Martin's in Leicester were said to be ‘more elaborate than usual, and each of numerous pillars has two wreaths twined spirally round it present a much more effective appearance. In addition to the pillars, wreaths are placed the reredos, pulpit desk, lectern, and font, and also the Archdeacon's seat in the large south aisle. The gas standards in the chancel are entwined with wreaths…’. St Mary’s, Leicester was ‘decorated with the greatest taste… Wreaths are carried round all the arches, and over the reredos is a triple canopy of evergreen, surmounted by three Latin crosses of berries, beneath which are suspended a Maltese cross and two triangles, also of berries’.

Beyond the town itself, decorations at St Mary’s in Humberstone were limited to a few wreaths and flowers, the church being already ‘so beautiful, that any attempt to decorate it highly would serve conceal the exquisite delicacy of its architecture’. Those in All Saints in Oakham were ‘rich and beautiful, and the work chaste and pleasing to the eye. The font, pulpit, and lectern, are well worthy of notice, being most tastefully decorated with gilded berries and different kinds of evergreen’.

This newsletter is edited by Cynthia Brown and published by Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society. Further information about the Society, its publications and other activities can be found on its website at www.lahs.org.uk.