Langham Village History Group

Langham Village History GroupThe Life and Families of 17 th century LanghamEnd of Project Report October 2009The final months of the project were undoubtedly the busiest. Completion of book chapters, editing,layout, and proofreading followed by preparation of exhibition display material and organisation ofa 17 th century Evensong resulted in the burning of much midnight oil. However, the success of theventure and the satisfaction of seeing the culmination of our work made all the effort worthwhile.The BookThe book, in electronic format, reached the printer (Gutenberg Press) onschedule and the two tons of books arrived from Malta, as promised, intime for the exhibition at the beginning of May. The only omission from theplanned chapters was that on 17 th century weather, which its author failedto submit.We were very pleased with the resulting volume, an illustrated hardbackof 192 pages. Comments from readers have been complimentary.Six copies submitted to various historical associations for review.Still awaited, see Appendix I.The number of prepublication orders (greatly helped by advertisingvia the website) was encouraging as were sales at the exhibition.Sales continue through the website, local booksellers, Rutland Museumand local events.The ExhibitionThe Group with Chairman Anthony Wright presenting Professor Alan Rogers with the first signed copy of the book at the opening of the exhibitionPage 1

The three-day exhibition held on 2, 3 & 4 May at the village primary schoolattracted over 500 visitors many of whom travelled considerable distances,including one descendant of a Langham family from the USA.Visitors were welcomed to the exhibition by History Group members, someof whom were dressed in 17 th century costume, music from the period wasplayed in the background.Two special guests were Lady Campden, who discovered the Exton Estatedocuments, a catalyst for the whole project, and Professor Alan Rogers, our mentor.Pupils from the local primary school made a special tour of the exhibitionbefore it was dismantled. Group members were on hand to answer questions.See pictures from the event http://LanghaminRutland.org.uk/exhibition/index.htmLizzie Mann & Lady CampdenThe ServiceA congregation of more than 130 worshippersattended a 17 th century Evensong in the parishchurch on Sunday 3 rd May. Using the Book of CommonPrayer, King James Bible and with music providedby an early music group and members of Oakhamchurch choir, the service was much enjoyed.Our vicar, Rev Jay Ridley, resplendent in a periwig,made an excellent ranting cleric as he read from thearchdeacons’ visitation notes of the 1600s on theparlous state of Langham Church. This he followedwith an actual 17 th century homily exhortingparishioners to care for the church as they wouldRev Jay Ridley resplendent in his periwig delivering the homilytheir own homes. The service was followed by theserving of mead, ale and 17 th century sweetmeats.Presentations given to Community Groups September 2008/July 2009:• Eaton Local History Group (x2)• Langham Baptist Church Fellowship• Rutland Local History & Record Society & Friends of the Museum• Langham SchoolDisplays provided for Community Groups September 2008/July2009:• Langham Village Show• Langham Parish Church Christmas Tree Festival, winning entryStudy Sessions September 2008/July 2009:• Study session in the Parish Church with the Peterborough Diocesan Archaeologist,Quinton Carroll• Study session led by Dr Graham Jones ofOxford University (St Ellyn/Helyn)• Visit to Langham church byDr Rosemary Cramp to view possibleSaxon architectureVisits made:Tallow Chandlers’ Hall, Dowgate Hill, London at theinvitation of the Grand Master to commemoratethe death of Alderman Roger Clarke whoselegacy of a charity, set up with the Company in1608, is still in place today.Page 2Maurice Cocking of the Worshipful Company of Tallow Chandlers speakingat the luncheon given for the group in Tallow Chandlers’ Hall

Conclusion:At a meeting of the Steering Group on 15 th May 2009, it was noted that two conditions in the biddocument had not been fulfilled:• In spite of numerous efforts on our part, our local radio station did not grant us air time.• The agreement with Rutland County Museum for a display of exhibition material, and probablya permanent exhibit, had been negated by a change of administrative personnel. We have,however, reached agreement with the new regime for a temporary display in Oakham Castle.Members were asked for their comments upon the whole project and these were collated anddiscussed at a group meeting. A resulting list of suggestions has been compiled and filed in readinessfor any future undertaking.We believe that we fulfilled what we set out to do and, in the process, have not only brought17th century Langham to the attention of a vast audience, but also, as individuals, we extended ourknowledge of, and interest in, our village and in the history of the period. We have improved andextended our skills as set out in the bid document and feel a great sense of achievement as a result.Unforeseen outcomes were the interest and pride that the village took in the project; the numberof people from outside the village who became involved and the kudos gained by the group inLocal History circles. One particularly pleasing result was the bringing together of family memberswho had not previously known of the others existence.MethodologyAt the outset of the project, our mentor advised on the methods of research we might use and howto keep consistency in our records. He recommended the sharing of information on a regular basisand the writing of drafts at a very early stage.A list of strategies, rules and a “House Style” for the preparation and submission of written materialwas drawn up and communicated to members.As material became available, eg. transcriptions of wills and inventories, transcriptions of parish recordsand manor court rolls, digitised early maps, land and property leases, it was copied electronically toall members.Previous reports and the list of acknowledgements in the book indicate the places visited andvarious bodies approached for information.Living in a rural area, a great deal of travel was required to view and research original documents.Even our own county archive material is held by either the Leicester, Leicestershire and RutlandRecord Office based in Leicester or Northamptonshire Record Office based in Northampton.Significant use was made of the Internet for research and a closed area of our own web site was usedfor the dissemination of information.Most members reported that the research was more enjoyable than the production of writtenmaterial. We all found the writing of book chapters to be a major challenge and finding illustrationsto accompany the written work often proved difficult.Having written fairly lengthy pieces for the book, some members found the production of short,concise pieces of exhibition text an equal challenge. The production of the actual boards, however,became social occasions and the three days of the exhibition produced a great feeling of teamworkand much camaraderie.In addition to 85 exhibition boards, 10 display panels and a rolling data projection, there was aselection of costumed dolls and a copy of a 17 th century embroidered sampler on display.Page 3

The FutureAfter the effort expended over the past two years, members do not want to embark upon anothermajor project immediately but ideas are in the pipeline.At the present time, some members are continuing researching the 17 th century while others are lookingforward or back to make comparisons with what they have already discovered. Work will continue onthe transcription of wills and inventories and of the remaining parish records. The project produceda substantial resource database and this is to be formalised and extended.Some members have chosen completely new topics eg Langham in Wartime and war memorials;village family connections; movement into and out of Langham.As a result of our work with the Exton Papers at LL&RRO, we were asked to support a bid for fundingto complete the cataloguing of these documents, which we gladly did. It is intended that, if the bidis successful, we shall be involved in the work.A number of previously published booklets are to be revised and reprinted and there are ideas forsome new ones.We are grateful for the opportunity which the Heritage Lottery funding afforded us and we shallundoubtedly continue to actively pursue our researches.Three of the eighty-five [A1] display panels created by group members for the exhibition which covered many aspects of 17 th century lifePage 4

Appendix ICopies of the publication were sent to The British Library and The Agency for Legal Deposit(This distributes to: The Bodelian Library, Oxford, Cambridge University Library, The NationalLibrary of Scotland, The Library of Trinity College Dublin and the National Library of Wales) inaccordance with the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2003 (UK) and the Copyright and Related RightsAct 2000 (Ireland) in the week following the launch of the book. Confirmation of receipt by theBritish Library was finally received in October 2009.Complimentary Copies were given to:Professor Alan RogersLady Sarah CampdenBrigadier R.M Wilde CBE - The Worshipful Company of Tallow ChandlersContributing authorsDavid Hall - Medieval FieldsDesmond Gallagher - HLF NottinghamEleanor Ceney (Graphic Design)Graham Jones - University of OxfordJess Jenkins - Archivist LL&RROLangham School staff and library (3)Margaret Bonney - Chief Archivist LL&RROMike and Mary Gaul (Proof Reading)Nick Hill - English HeritageQuinton Carroll - Peterborough Diocesan ArchaeologistRev Jay RidleyRobert Howard - Nottingham Tree Ring Dating LaboratoryRutland County LibrarianTeresa Thompson - History of DressThe Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Record OfficeThe Northamptonshire Records OfficeUCL - the Institute of Historical Research LibraryWestminster Abbey LibraryReview copies provided to:Andy Hopper - The University of LeicesterBritish Association for Local HistoryFamily and Community History JournalNorthamptonshire Past and PresentRutland Local History & Record SocietyThe East Midlands HistorianThe Family History Society of Leicestershire and RutlandLess than six months after the book launch nearly 50% of the stock has been issued. In November2009 we have a sales promotion with the BBC Family History Magazine which we hope willprove successful. Local book shops continue to request replacement stock and group memberscontinue to make personal sales.Page 5

A few of the many written and verbal comments received to date:A great deal of research and effort has clearly gone into producing such a beautifully presentedvolume. The book gets across well a great many aspects of everyday life in the seventeenth century.It also successfully places the experiences of Langham into a national context. The book’s thematicstructure worked well and sets an example that other village history groups would do well to follow.I particularly liked the style and choice of illustrations, which were superb.Dr Andy Hopper - University of LeicesterA handsome production, and an invaluable contribution to increasing knowledge of both the Langhamcommunity and of the turbulent century in England’s life that the book covers. Furthermore it isvery easy to read and accessible. I am learning much of what life in those times was like, not onlyfor my Sharpe and Sculthorpe forebears, but for those below and above their places in the socialorder of the day. It seems to me the granting bodies that supported the 17 th century life and familiesproject ought to be absolutely delighted with the way LVHG has carried it out.Renn Wortley - University of Victoria, AustraliaThe members of Langham Village History Group deserve congratulations on the publication.A superb piece of work which I have much enjoyed.Peter ShuttlewoodWow...!!!A thousand thanks for all your hard work - from one whose folk hailed from this fabulous cornerof Rutland and featured in your new book - and many, many congratulations to each and everyone of your Group for a meticulously researched and superbly presented publication...Scholarly, yet eminently readable - and every bit as good as I had hoped it would be...Above all, your friendly approach shines through - even ‘though you must have sometimes beenstretched by the degree of commitment required and the amount of time involved...The launch Exhibition was also extremely professionally presented - even down to the roundedcorners on the individual text and graphic cards...!!What a team...!!An outstanding and incredibly impressive achievement - a model for any other village historygroup in the land...Very well done...!!I reckon, like John B. at Ham House [page 38], you have carved out a new career for yourselves...!!PS - I am greatly looking forward to your next endeavour...but first, relax and take a well-earned rest...!!Tony BullimorePage 6

The Life and Families of 17 th century LanghamYear One Project Report September 2007The project was officially launched with a display at Langham Village Show, September 2006. The displayboards used were subsequently put on show in the Village Hall.September also saw the first official meeting of group members with Professor Alan Rogers, our mentor, whoadvised on research methodology; collection and sharing of information; preparation of written material etc.Members chose their research topics from a pre-prepared list and working practices were agreed. Topics forgroup study were decided upon.During the year there have been nine group meetings, two steering group meetings and three visits byProfessor Rogers. Members have regularly been in touch, directly or indirectly, with Professor Rogers byemail.The web site has been continually updated and expanded with some reorganisation to facilitate the additionalinformation to be included as a result of this project. http://www.langhaminrutland.org.ukResearch Topics• Wills & Inventories (transcription); Coal & FuelFreda Smithson• Wills & Inventories (data handling)Peter Atkinson• Finance; Taxation; LeasesCaroline & Nigel Webb• Health; Parish RecordsAnn & Ken Grimmer• Education; LearningRosemary Wright• Costume; Role of Women; Parish RecordsBrenda Burdett• FoodSue Gale-Sewell• Homes; FurnishingsMary Cockerill• Transport; Roads and Tracks; Maps; Church BellsAnthony Wright• AgricultureJenny Mann• Church; MusicTim Walker• 17th Century Time LineKeith Smithson• Weather; ClimateShaun Wersching• Charities; Customs; Pastimes; Parish RecordsGill Frisby• Buildings; Langham Parish & Estate MapsMike Frisby• NeedleworkThe Sew & Sews

We find our subjects often overlap and in almost every case and our interests widening.Some subjects are well advanced, others less so. Considerable progress has been made in transcribing andrecording data from more than 150 contemporary wills and inventories. Book chapters on finance & taxation;food; costume; health; roads & tracks are well advanced. Steady progress is being made on the sizeable taskof transcribing parish records. The 1624 estate map has been accurately redrawn in a fully scalable digitalformat allowing more detailed study and interpretation. A copy of a 17 th century sampler has been completed.A full report/chapter completed on a 15/16/17 th c dwelling.Visits made:Individual members have visited, often on numerous occasions:• Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland Record Office• Northampton Record Office• Lincoln Record Office• Westminster Abbey Library• British Library• Leicester University Library• Cambridge University Library• Oakham School Library• Loughborough Library• Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society Library• London & Metropolitan Archive• Public Record Office Kew• Loughborough Bell Foundry• Donnington le Heath Manor• Gainsborough Old Hall• Rutland County Library• Rutland County MuseumStudy Sessions completed:• Palaeography with Freda Smithson• Using Information Technology with Mike Frisby• Extracting information from Parish Records with Professor Alan Rogers• Dendrochronology with Professor Robert Howard (open meeting)• Maps and the Landscape with David Hall (included invited members from RLH&RS)• Village Buildings with Nick Hill (English Heritage)• Introduction to Field Walking with Kate Don (RLH&RS Archaeology convenor)• Medieval Latin Translation at Keele University (Freda Smithson one week course)• Langham’s Medieval Fields with David Hall (planned for autumn 2007)Discoveries from the 17 th century which have surprised us!• The wealth within Langham and its high taxation returns• Variations in the number of births, marriages and burials year by year• Langham on the major trunk route from London to Richmond, Yorks (six journys per week)• The early enclosure of Langham’s fields• Rent and leases partially paid for in coal, capons & hens

Other Achievements• Translation of the Manor Court Rolls 1486 to 1546 (90 pages medieval Latin)• Discovery, identification and recording of the 13th c churchyard cross• Locating and dating a 15 th c high status house (always thought to have been 18th c)• Learning more of the 14/15/16 th c Langham merchants of the Calais Staple• Discovering information about 14 th c Langham women purchasing land in IrelandPresentations given to Community Groups• WI• Stamford U3A• Rutland Local History & Record Society• Rutland Village Studies GroupOur records show that the group is up to date on its set targets both in terms of time scales and finance.

Langham Village History GroupThe Life and Families of 17 th century LanghamProject Report August 2008The past year has been an extremely busy one as members have attempted to complete their researches and preparetheir book chapters. It has become increasingly evident that there is far more to research than we could possiblyhave imagined and that, without a deadline, the project could have run for at least another two years. As it is, weaim to complete the book and stage the exhibition by May 2009 but have already identified areas for future work andat least two further publications.Since the last project report there have been nine group meetings and two steering group meetings. There has beenregular contact with Professor Rogers by email. In addition Mike Frisby visited Professor Rogers at his home to discussthe layout and publication of the book and also accompanied him on a visit to the University of Nottingham fordiscussions with Dr Richard Goddard of the School of History.The Village Walk leaflet was completed in November 2007 and distributed throughout the village and to everypupil at the village school. Additional copies are always available in the church. Copies were also sent toRutland County Museum, Leicestershire Libraries Service and LLRRO. - Copies enclosed with this reportThe web site www.LanghamInRutland.org continues to be well visited and many complimentary comments havebeen received. As a result of all the additional information generated by the project it may be necessary to expandthe size of the web site next year.The transcription of the c 17 th Parish Records is almost complete and additional work is being undertaken totranscribe the various pieces of writing which appear in the margins and on the end papers of the record books.Wills and Inventories have taken on a life of their own with 140 Wills and 30 Inventories transcribed, formatted anddigitised ready for release on the web and as a research resource for the project. Nottingham University has showninterest in this part of the project. This collection is seen as something unique which might, at a later stage, involvesome selected Phd. students in collaboration with the group to develop this part of the project further.Having transcribed Langham Terriers held by Westminster Abbey dated 1618 and 1628, we discovered a set held byLLRRO dating from 1604/5. These detail the plots of land by location and area but, unusually, provide a dimensionedsketch of each plot showing its configuration.Other Useful Discoveries• Thirty four documents relating to a local farm and its occupiers from 17 th to 19 th century• 17 th c deeds and schedules for Langham charities• Twenty hand written notebooks indexing Rutland documents (including some Langham information from the12 th to 18 th century)Presentations given to Community Groups• Langham WI• Langham School• Langham Leisure Club• Rutland Local History & Record Society• Uppingham Local History Group• Wigston Local History GroupDisplays provided for Community Groups• Langham Village Show• Langham ChurchPage 1 of 2

Study Sessions undertaken by individual members:• Keele University Summer School (17 th c marriages and law)• Gargoyles• Stone CarvingVisits made:Many of the places reported in 2007 have been revisited by members. We can now add to that list:• Oliver Cromwell’s House at Ely• Laxton (Notts)• Numerous Churches & c 17 th housesOur immediate priority is the book “The Life and Families of 17 th century Langham”.Book Chapters:Completed awaiting final editing and DTP layout :• Church - Bells• Church - Religion• Costume• Food• Fuel• Health• Income and Benefit• Land Ownership• Life of 17 th c women• Maps• Roads & Tracks• Taxation• Time Line• Trades/Occupations• Transport• Written and Spoken WordChapters work in progress:• Agriculture• Brewing, Pubs & Ale Houses• Buildings• Charities• Education• Parish Records• Customs and PastimesChapters yet to be started:• Families• Group conclusions• Homes & Furnishings• Lead into the century/Intro• WeatherStudy Sessions and Activities arranged for Autumn 2008• Study session in the Parish Church with the Peterborough Diocesan Archaeologist• Study session led by Dr Graham Jones of Oxford University (St Ellyn/Helyn)• Visit to Tallow Chandlers’ Hall in the City of London ( 17 th century Langham charity connection)• A further visit by Nick Hill (English Heritage) to examine a farmhouse with 17 th century featuresPage 2 of 2