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 19^th 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 20^th 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).

To mark the occasion of the 75^th anniversary of VJ Day, 15^th August 1945, the names of 3 local residents who fought in the Burma campaign were added to the Edwinstowe Historical Society website.

An enquiry has been received relating to a monument known as the Forest Pillar, situated alongside the A616 between Ollerton and Budby.  Sadly, the top of the pillar and the plaque have both disappeared, but it is anticipated that future investigation will yield results.  Perhaps there is a reader, or readers, of the magazine who could provide any information.  If so, please do not hesitate to contact the Society on EdwinstoweHistorySoc@gmail.com .

Recently a gentleman from New Zealand visited the village and enquired about two families associated with Edwinstowe.  These were the Rabbitt and Robinson families, to whom he was related.  His contact with a member of the Historical Society provided him with information about the two families, which are mentioned on the Society’s website.

Many people will have seen one of the old photographs of the Major Oak depicting the village blacksmiths, complete with bellows, carrying out repairs to the tree.   After all this time one could be forgiven for thinking the bellows had been scrapped.  However, this is not the case, because the set of bellows was recently located, having been adapted for use as a table.

Blacksmiths at the Major Oak and the bellows 

Members of the Edwinstowe Historical Society have been informed that the monthly meetings have been postponed until 2021.  After due consideration the committee came to the decision in the interests of the members.  However, it is hoped to meet in January for the annual lunch.

Members who wish to do so, have been invited to comment on their experiences on one of the days during the Lockdown.  The information will be included on the website and may be of interest to future generations.

As a result of an enquiry about one of the Major Oak custodians, Jack Knight, the Society is trying to identify other men who often appear on postcards, seated beside the tree.  A selection may be viewed under “Trees of Sherwood Forest” on the website, starting with George Clarke, around 1875.

Memories from 75 years ago 1945.

Edwinstowe VE Day May 1945

People came out into the street at midnight, and there was live bugle and drum music. Hundreds went to a military camp for a singsong in the Sergeant’s Mess. A camp-fire was lit and fireworks were let off.  The following afternoon a tea for the children of Sixth Avenue was held in the school hall. Yesterday Fourth and Fifth Avenue were to have their turn. Social evenings were also held.

Thank you to the children of Edwinstowe May 2020.

Thank you Samuel from King Edwin School – May 2020

Rufford Abbey, was the subject of Pete Smith’s talk to the Edwinstowe Historical Society which met in February. The meeting was well attended with 3 new members and 16 visitors joining the regular members. Originally a Cistercian abbey, it was partly demolished in the 16th century after the dissolution of the monasteries, and converted to a minor country house estate. Mr Smith talked about the succession of owners beginning in the 16th century with George Talbot, 4th Earl of Shrewsbury, until the 20th century when the property passed to Sir George, the 3rd Baron Savile, who was only 12 years old, at which time the trustees took the decision to sell the estate. After changing hands several times, and being used for military purposes during the 2nd world war, it was purchased by the Notts County Council and has now become a park open to the public, owned by Nottinghamshire County Council and managed by Parkwood Outdoors in co-operation with English Heritage.

Mr Smith highlighted the additions and alterations carried out internally and externally over the years, by well-known architects Anthony Salvin, John Hallam, and John Birch. Photographs showed the overcrowded rooms which were popular during the Victorian and Edwardian periods. These were busy times, too, because the bathhouse was converted into an orangery, the corn mill was converted into a saw mill, the brick-built stables were altered and re-roofed and the coach house, brew house, and water tower were built. Bess of Hardwick was a visitor and so was Edward V11 who liked to stay at Rufford when attending Doncaster races.

Sam Glasswell’s talk on Wed. 18th March will be “Pilgrim Links – Mayflower Celebrations”. This year marks 400 years since the Mayflower set sail from England. Then on Wed. 15^th April we welcome Bob Massey whose talk is about Skegness, often known as “Nottingham by the Sea”.

The Edwinstowe Historical Society did not hold a meeting in December, but in January members enjoyed their annual lunch at the  Forest Lodge Hotel.

Behind the scenes enquiries continued to be received from people anxious to learn more about their ancestry and the village.

Recently an enquiry arrived from a gentleman in Canada regarding his ancestors who came from Edwinstowe.  In fact, 2019 has been a busy year dealing with similar enquiries, especially one from a retired portrait conservator at the Bodleian Library, Oxford, relating to Dr George Aldridge who lived at Cockglode during the 18^th century.  All of these enquiries take up a great deal of time, expertise and patience, but are always fully appreciated by the recipients.  In fact, while resourcing some of the enquiries, the Society often comes across previously unknown details of village life.

Following Pete Smith’s talk about Rufford Abbey, in February, the next meeting on the 18^th March, will be presented by Sam Glasswell, entitled “Pilgrim Links – Mayflower Celebrations”.

At a meeting of the Edwinstowe Historical Society on Wed, 19^th November, Chris Weir’s illustrated talk provided members with details of some of Nottinghamshire’s “Secrets, Curiosities and Mysteries”.  These included reference to a stand-off at the Greendale Oak, Cuckney, in 1392 between villagers and the King’s officials when a request was refused for horses to free a cart stuck in mud, so the Court Rolls of the King’s Bench could proceed to Welbeck Abbey. Then there was the court case concerning Pendock Barry of Tollerton Hall who didn’t leave his son anything in his will.  Apparently, the only way to receive his inheritance was to prove his father had been insane.   Consequently he filled a book with examples of his father’s strange actions.

On view was a photo taken in 1902 of a statue that once fronted a shop in Pelham Street, Nottingham.  This depicted traveller Jonas Hanway holding an umbrella, as it was, he who introduced the umbrella to England in the early 18^th century following his visit to Asia.  The shop sold items for travellers and the owner thought the statue a fitting tribute to Hanway who, incidentally was out of favour with the hansom cab drivers, who lost trade when it rained!

In the late 19^th century suffragist, Lady Laura Ridding, wife of a bishop, won an election and became the first female guardian of the local workhouse in Southwell, and ensured a difference to the lives of the women there.

No meetings planned for December and January.  On 19^th February Pete Smith’s talk will relate to Rufford Abbey.

At their October meeting, Edwinstowe Historical Society heard Andy Gaunt’s illustrated talk “Ancient Wood Pasture to National Nature Reserve”, instead of “Sherwood Forest Outlaws and Villains”.

Andy described the landscape history of Sherwood Forest and the shaping of the ancient woodlands and heathlands, of Birklands and Bilhaugh and the National Nature Reserve. He discussed Medieval Forest Laws and Courts (Edwinstowe held a Verderers’ Court), complete with foresters, keepers, judges, verderers and tax collectors and how settlements grew. In order to preserve the diversity of the flora and fauna rarely seen outside the forest, Sherwood Forest was designated a “Site of Special Scientific Interest”.

On Monday, 4^th November, two Blue Plaques are to be unveiled in Edwinstowe. The first plaque recognises the site of the original Alms Houses founded by John and Ellin Bellamy in 1719, and the second plaque commemorates Christopher Thomson who lived in Edwinstowe in the 18^th century and started the first Library in the village.  (See website for details.) The Society has been instrumental in drawing attention to these residents, and acknowledges grants from the Newark and Sherwood District council, the Parish Council, St Mary’s Church, Fables Tea rooms, as well as the Edwinstowe Historical Society.

The next meeting will take place on 20^th November when Chris Wier’s talk will be “Mysteries of Nottinghamshire”.