At a well-attended meeting in September, Shirley Moore, Chair, welcomed Bob Massey who left no stones unturned when he revealed some of the murders, mysteries and mayhem in the Nottingham area during the past centuries. Sherwood Forest was the home to many outlaws during the 13th and14th centuries, especially the Coterel and de Folville gangs. Surviving court records covering Sherwood Forest indicate that many of the events reported bear resemblance to the tales of Robin Hood. Cannibalism in Nottingham? In the 14 th century the city was subjected to the worst famine in history, with inevitable consequences. Crime and punishment, death and mourning were referred to in detail. From 1558 until 1827 executions took place on Gallows Hill, Mansfield Road, Nottingham on the site of Rock Cemetery entrance, before moving to High Pavement in the city. As a warning to travellers if they broke the law, there was a gibbet at the junction where Mansfield Road (A60) joins the old Rufford Road (A614) at Leapool roundabout.
A recent request has been received from John Hayman, Associate Professor in the Dept. of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Australia, seeking permission to include in Wikitree the Society’s information relating to his ancestor, Henry Telford Hayman. The Rev. Hayman was a well-respected vicar at St Mary’s Church, Edwinstowe from 1884 until 1907. John also asked to join the Edwinstowe Historical Society as a “colonial member”. Needless to say, there was no hesitation in welcoming him as the first Honorary Colonial Member. Another honorary member is Margaret Woodhead, the sole remaining founder-member of the Edwinstowe Historical Society.