Autumn Update 2020

The ups and downs experienced by some members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society
during the Lockdown period have been recorded and placed on the Society’s website.
These ranged from toothache and cancelled holidays, to gardening, baking, knitting and
zoom meetings. Participation in the weekly gatherings to recognise the work of the NHS,
and other essential workers, together with the celebrations for the 75th anniversary of VE
Day on 8th May, helped to dispel the isolation felt by some and strengthened the community
spirit – all keeping their distance from one another, of course.
A recent addition to the Society’s website related to bachelor, John Truman, Master
Shoemaker, who, according to the 1851 Census lived in Truman’s Yard, Town Street,
Edwinstowe (present day High Street), He was a well-respected entomologist, who bred and
sold specimens of rare butterflies and moths from Sherwood Forest to collections including
the British Museum.
John Truman died in a road accident on his 51st birthday, on 3rd May, 1853. A splendid
monument, close to the east end of St Mary’s Church, was erected in his memory, and his
burial was paid for by public subscription.

Another notable Edwinstowe family is that of Tudsbury, for which the Society’s researchers
continue to collect information to be added to the website in due course.