Tommy, the Thoresby pit pony, is presented to The Queen at the Royal Show Newton Abbot in 1952
This is the time of year when the majority of people usually think about their holidays. However, not so long ago it wasn’t only human beings who looked forward to a change in routine. There were pit ponies.
Pit ponies were mainly used in coal mines in the 1800s and early to mid-1900s. At Thoresby Colliery they were employed underground to haul trucks full of heavy material, with an ostler to look after them. One can only imagine how they must have felt when they were brought up the shaft on the Friday evening before the colliery’s holiday fortnight and taken to Herbert’s farm in Edwinstowe, where they were allowed to gallop and graze in a field. The astonishing fact is, though the ponies – about six in number – only saw the light of day a few times during the year, they knew the way to the farm.
Ponies would take part in shows, and at the Royal Show, Newton Abbot 1952, the Queen met ostler Jim Gibson and Tommy the last of the Thoresby Colliery pit ponies. Shortly after this event Tommy came out of the pit to be given honourable retirement.
During the past twelve months 32 enquiries have been received and answered. Arising from one request, the Society was pleased to contribute a popular photo of the blacksmiths standing in front of the Major Oak, for inclusion in a recently published book by Dr Mark Johnston MBE, “The Tree Experts: A History of Professional Arboriculture in Britain”.
The website continues to expand with additions to the Young Historian and Thoresby Colliery, i.e. the Miners’ Institute, Medical Centre, and Thoresby Colliery Band.
A date for resumption of future meetings is still on hold, and members will be notified as soon as it is considered safe to meet again.
The faiths and fates of 2 families with connections to Edwinstowe have been added to the website.
During the 18th century William Hoggard came to live in Edwinstowe and married Martha Breedon of Norton Cuckney. His blacksmith’s forge was on High Street. They had a large family and his grandson, James, and wife, Emily, moved to Lambley, where after meeting missionaries from the Church of Latter Day Saints, (or Mormons) they were baptised into the faith. They dreamed of joining other Mormons in the United States, and in 1854, James set sail across the Atlantic, to prepare a home for Emily and their children. They eventually settled in their permanent home, American Fork in Utah, where he was the first to be appointed Head Watermaster, a post which he held for twenty-one years.
On 17th July, 1632, in St Mary’s Church, Edwinstowe, Elizabeth Snowden became Oliver Hooton’s second wife. While living in Skegby, Elizabeth met George Fox, founder of the Quaker movement, which changed Elizabeth’s life and both she and Oliver became Quakers. Elizabeth was the first woman to become a Quaker minister. On many occasions she was beaten and imprisoned for propagating her beliefs, both in England and when travelling to the American colonies. She died in Jamaica in 1672.
Elizabeth Hooton (nee Snowden)
After seeing a photo of his wife’s late father on the website, one gentleman requested a copy as a birthday surprise for his wife. The Society is pleased to share information and photos providing others do not benefit financially.
Sherwood Forest Trust have planted a Hawthorne tree (traditionally the May flower) in St Mary’s churchyard, and the Society agreed to provide a photographic display, in the Craft Centre, depicting Edwinstowe’s former May and Rose Queen festivals.
EDWINSTOWE IN THE 1920’S
One hundred years ago, when people witnessed the unveiling of the War Memorial at the
Crossroads, little did the residents of Edwinstowe, a quiet agricultural village, realise how
their way of life was to change when a coal mine was sunk on the outskirts of the village.
In 1925 work began to sink Thoresby Colliery. The building of 500 colliery houses started in
1926 and was completed by 1931, attracting many new families. Edwinstowe Hall was
purchased by the Bolsover Colliery Company for use as a Welfare Centre for its employees,
and was visited by the Prince of Wales who congratulated the Company on the Welfare
Scheme (1923).
Spectators would watch Edwinstowe St Michael’s football team, and the village cricketers
whose matches were played in idyllic surroundings on Forest Corner. The Edwinstowe
Allotment and Garden Holders’ Association held their annual shows and the annual fair was
a welcome attraction, so too were the charity Garden Fetes, whist drives and concerts in the
church. St Mary’s Church, the Primitive and Wesleyan Methodist chapels were meeting
grounds as were the Edwinstowe Women’s Institute and the Edwinstowe Mothers’ Union
which were inaugurated in 1920 and 1924, respectively, also the British Legion.
When walking down the High Street one would see Dowse’s Drapery Store; tea room;
shoe shop; Staley Lowe’s garage; bakers; the Co-op; Freeman’s and Newton’s butchers’
shops; Mr Lowe’s barber’s business conducted in a hut which was reached by wooden steps
behind one of the cottages; the Institute which was a men’s meeting place with a billiard
room; Telephone Exchange; Jack Lacey’s, cobbler; Tudsbury’s China Shop; Kisby’s and
Fenton’s sweet Shops; a Motor Mechanic’s Workshop; Parnell’s grocer; Newsagents; the
Methodists’ chapel; the Royal Oak; Jug and Glass; and Black Swan. A little further on there
were the Dukeries Hotel and the Robin Hood Inn. The village Lock-up provided overnight
accommodation for any miscreant who fell foul of the law,
The Fire Service was called into action in 1929 when the Dukeries Hotel caught fire and
suffered extensive damage.
Education was provided by St Mary’s School, and in 1926 a temporary building was erected
for the “new village children”, with the first portion of a permanent Council School in use by
1928.
During the course of 10 years a new sewage and water works had been opened and
Mansfield Road as far as Warsop Windmill was widened to accommodate the increase in
traffic. Although travel by train and carrier to Mansfield was the only method of public
transport, the 1930’s would see the introduction of omnibus services to nearby market
towns. A cinema would be built, the colliery would provide electricity to the village, tennis
courts, putting and bowling greens, and a sports’ ground.
Lowes Garage and Kirkstall Café on right c1920s
British Legion Members. The Old Vicarage, 1929
This year Edwinstowe Historical Society is participating in the Virtual Great Nottinghamshire Local History Fair to take place throughout May. The contribution will be a Power Point Presentation of images, focusing on Edwinstowe’s popularity as a tourist attraction, and will be viewed on the Inspire website. In the 19th century people began to appreciate the natural beauty and splendour of the forest, with writers, poets and artists gaining inspiration from the surroundings. Also, cyclists in newly formed cycling clubs came from the towns and villages around the forest, some as far away as Doncaster.
Recent additions to the website relate to Birkland House and the Parnell family, also Ashgrove House. Once again, we are appealing for any photos of Ashgrove house which readers might have. Ashgrove House was a Queen Anne/Regency House on West lane, and was demolished in the 1960’s to make way for the new vicarage.
Requests for information continue to be received. One related to the history of Edwinstowe House (now known as the Edwinstowe House Business Centre) where, incidentally, the Historical Society’s archive is based, thanks to the generosity of Robert Woodhead Construction Company. (The history of the property is displayed on the website). A correspondent conducting family research hoped to locate a burial headstone in the churchyard for an ancestor who died during the late 18th century. (A check will be made of the list of graves kept in the church as soon as access is permitted.) Another enquiry concerned a relative who was employed as a lady’s maid at Cockglode House during the 19th century, when the Foljambe family were in residence. (Although the enquirer was disappointed that Cockglode had been demolished, he was able to view photos and the history of the building on the website.)
In a recent Newsletter, members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society were informed that a decision had yet to be made about resumption of the monthly meetings, and were assured that as soon as it was safe to meet again, they would be notified.
This year Easter falls during April, which it did in 1897 when on the 16th of the month, the Mansfield Chronicle Advertiser reported on the effect of the new railway line from Chesterfield to Lincoln which promised to bring about important changes in Edwinstowe. During the Easter Holidays 4,000 cheap tickets were advertised for use on the systems of the M. S. and L Midland, and the Great Northern Companies. On Bank Holiday Monday, Mr Bird, a Sheffield caterer, would provide luncheon for 2,000 in marquees adjoining the station. Innkeepers took their wagonettes and four-in-hands to meet the train and take tourists round the forest.
Recent additions to the website include details about the Edwinstowe Male Voice Choir, the Thoresby Colliery Band and the Miners’ Institute. Enquiries continue to be received and answered. One was for information about a relative connected with the railway at Edwinstowe. Another asked about soldiers serving with the South Wales Borderers in the Burma campaign (having seen the website), and details were provided to enable a former resident of Edwinstowe to locate her father’s burial place. Following a request from a local Primary School which hoped to have a WW2 day at the end of term, the Society were able to arrange for some suitable artefacts for display.
This is the time of year when members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society usually enjoy the annual lunch but the advent of the coronavirus necessitated a change of plan. Hopefully a date for the get-together will be arranged in the not too distant future. A decision has yet to be made regarding the resumption of the monthly meetings. The December newsletter was circulated to all members providing up to date information about the recent additions to the website.
The joy of being able to get out and about in the fresh air is good for health, and gardening is one way of achieving that. Allotment gardening in Edwinstowe goes back to the late 1800’s then known as the Cottage Garden and Horticultural Society for Edwinstowe, Ollerton and the neighbourhood. There were several allotment sites in the village, but only the Ollerton road site remains, founded in 1918 by the Edwinstowe Allotment and Leisure Gardening Association. Further information about the Gardening Association is available on our page.
The Society have agreed to support the Sherwood Forest Trust with their forthcoming project to plant heritage trees for Sherwood Forest parishes, with the intention to plant a Hawthorne tree (traditionally the May flower) in Edwinstowe. The Society will provide an exhibition about Edwinstowe’s former Rose Queen festivals.
What is the connection between Edwinstowe and the Christmas carol “Once in Royal David’s City”? The words were written as a poem by Mrs C. F. Alexander and later became a Christmas carol with music composed by organist Henry John Gauntlett. Mrs Alexander’s husband, William, Bishop of Derry, was a cousin of James Fane Alexander of Edwinstowe Hall. Mrs Alexander also wrote the hymns “All Things Bright and Beautiful” and “There is a Green Hill”
The advent of the Corona virus and its devastating effects will remain for many years, and the fact that some schools were closed and pupils sent home brings to mind an event which took place in Edwinstowe during 1901-2, as recorded in the Village School’s Log Books.
On 7th July, 1901, the Headmaster, Mr William Curtis, recorded that the scarlet fever was spreading very fast and attendance was falling off considerably.
Then on 12th July a notice was received from the Medical Officer ordering the closure of the school until further notice. After reopening on 30th September, the school was closed immediately when the fever reappeared with renewed vigour.
On 1st January 1902 the school reopened with a good attendance. Mr Curtis noted that six pupils had died and several were still in hospital, and that scarcely a house had not been affected.
On 6th February the school was again closed by order of the Medical Officer of Health, but on 1st Apr was reopened for another trial. The fever still existed in 2 houses but the Medical Officer kept close watch to prevent any intercourse with other families. Mr Curtis commented that “in spite of the fearful outbreak of fever which has spread in this village, the people as a rule are just as incautious as ever. “
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.
A Newsletter has been circulated to all members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society informing them that the Committee still believe it is wiser to wait until next year before consideration is given to holding meetings again. In view of the fact that the AGM was not held in May, the Chair, Shirley Moore, decided to include her report for 2019/20 in the Newsletter.
Edwinstowe Historical Society is looking for pictures of Ashgrove House (Queen Anne/Regency) on West Lane, Edwinstowe and which was demolished in the 1960’s to make way for the new Vicarage.
In the 1841 Census Mrs Dracott and her daughter ran a Girls’ School in the house (on what was then called Dog Kennel Lane or Back Lane West).
In the 1930’s Dr Rogerson held his surgery at the house, and then in 1947 Dr Gray moved into the Vicarage on Mansfield Road having exchanged Ashgrove House with the Rev Basil Evans. The Society would welcome any photos or memories of this building.
Although a small village, Edwinstowe has been home to many notable residents: Cecil Day-Lewis, author and Poet Laureate; Dr E Cobham Brewer, author of a Dictionary of Phrase & Fable; Geoffrey Palmer, author and teacher; Elizabeth Sarah Villa Real Gooch, actress and author; Lady Sibell Argles, née Pierrepont, involved with the community; Lady Eveline Maude, involved with local activities; Philip Brett, conductor and musicologist; Henry James Perrenee, Bow Street Runner; and Christopher Thomson, strolling player and artist.
During the past few weeks additions have been made to the Edwinstowe Historical Society’s website and include reference to the medieval graffiti uncovered in the church.
In 2018 St Mary’s church was chosen to be included in the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Medieval Graffiti Survey. A summary of the findings indicated that as Edwinstowe church had been restored in Victorian times, the rendered plaster having been stripped off, the interior walls were now bare stone which made the survival of graffiti very sparce and faint. Some 25 pieces were identified and recorded on the interior and exterior of the church.
Currently the Society’s archivists are researching tourism in the village. People have been visiting Sherwood Forest/the Dukeries/Edwinstowe for many years. In the 19th century people began to appreciate the natural beauty and splendour of the forest, with writers, poets and artists gaining inspiration from the surroundings. The opening of the train station in Worksop in 1849 and the station in Edwinstowe in 1896 enabled large numbers of visitors to come to the area and, after being met at the stations, travelled through the forest roads in horse-drawn brakes and charabancs. They would then stop for refreshments in the village.
In the 20th century visitors continued to arrive, not necessarily by train but in coaches or their own transport. In 1976 the Visitor Centre opened, but the decision was taken to demolish the buildings in 2018 and for a new Visitor Centre to be built on a site near to the cricket field. In 1984 the first annual Robin Hood Festival took place attracting approximately 40,000 visitors during the week, and continues to be held annually (unless unforeseen circumstances prevail).
Edwinstowe Historical Society