Waltham on the Wolds » Posts

The midnight steeplechase

David — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:08:24 +0000

Keen local historians, David Bowles and Gillian Lane, relate the story of one of Melton’s most famous escapades – the ‘Midnight Steeplechase’. Which has connections with both Thorpe Arnold and Waltham.

The article first appeared in the WOTWATA parish newsletter. We’ll reprint the final episode as soon as it’s published.

Click here to read part 1.

Croxton Park earthworks

David — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 16:05:41 +0000

We’ve discovered a map detailing a wide range of ancient earthworks at Croxton Park. Some of them date back to the time of the abbey, but others may be far earlier – perhaps even neolithic burials.

The path at the end of the farm track from Bescaby towards Croxton Park has long been a favourite walk of mine. But I hadn’t realised that it was flanked by earthwork banks of what are said to be ‘unknown date’. And that the path aligns with two circular mounds – on either side of the abbey fishponds. One of which has the enigmatic name of ‘Punch’s Grave’

Click here to read about the earthworks and view the map.

Waltham’s wealthy twins

David — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 15:06:54 +0000

For anyone who loves wandering around some of the wonderful churches in our area, Croxton Kerrial is a must. The central rows of pews are said to have come from Croxton Abbey, following its destruction on the orders of Henry VIII in the 1530s.

The intricate medieval carvings on the pews provide a fascinating glimpse into the history of the region. The example on the left is said to be of two female twins who lived in Waltham and were wealthy benefactors of the abbey

I’ve just finished putting the church guide on line. Click here to view the complete guide. And click here to read about the pews and view more of the carvings.

The Waltham twins sound an intriguing pair, but I can’t find any more details about them. So if anyone has any information, please do get in touch.

Croxton Abbey

David — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:17:58 +0000

After much detective work – and with the help of a number of people – I’ve finally managed to discover the exact position of Croxton Abbey. Before its destruction on the orders of Henry VIII, it was one of the most powerful medieval monasteries in the East Midlands. Today, there’s very little evidence that it ever existed.

The site was excavated over a number of years in the early 20th century by the then Marquis of Granby, grandfather of the present Duke of Rutland, whose family still owns the land. But although the plans were very detailed, they didn’t show the exact position of the abbey buildings on the ground.

I’ve now seen copies of the original archaeological drawings, and they show the position of both the Baliff’s Cottage and the road. This has enabled me to plot the position on an aerial photograph from Google Earth. Click on the image at the top of the page to expand it.

I’m still not sure the scale is exactly correct, but it must be fairly close. It’s also a lot nearer the fishponds than I expected. Most of the research I’ve read places it higher up the slopes – behind a line stretching from the ruins of Park House to the Baliff’s Cottage.

There’s a lot of conjecture about some of the buildings – such as the infirmary and guest house. The plans also show that some buildings to the east were only partly excavated.These may have been a gatehouse or abbot’s residence.

Click here for a detailed history of the abbey.

Robin Hood in Waltham?

David — Mon, 17 May 2010 19:30:45 +0000

Russell Crowe may be generating headlines as the latest Holywood incarnation of Robin Hood. But the Aussie boozer and womaniser has nothing on the really hard men who roamed the forests around Waltham in the early 1400s.

Sir Eustace Folville has one of the best claims to the title of the real Robin Hood. Son of a wealthy land-owner who was made outlaw after killing an unpopular nobleman, he captured one of the king’s justices of the peace on the roads around Waltham, successfully ransoming him for 1200 marks

Click here to read the full story.

Rectory fishponds

David — Thu, 06 May 2010 20:25:36 +0000

We’ve had an email asking whether anyone knows anything about the history of the rectory fishponds, just outside the village. We believe they were once a brick-works, and may have also been a duck-decoy.

It’s said that it was around these ponds that RAF Spitfire ace, Johnnie Johnson, honed his superb markmanship skills by shooting wildfowl.

Click here to read more.

JJ: This is your life

David — Wed, 05 May 2010 08:18:06 +0000

Leading WW2 spitfire ace, Johnnie Johnson, must be Waltham’s most celebrated resident. Although not born in the village, he spent his boyhood here during the time his father was police sergeant, and credited his superb marksmanship to the many hours spent shooting game birds in the surrounding fields.

I recently found a video of JJ appearing on This is Your Life. I’ve put a brief excerpt on YouTube. But if anyone would like to borrow the complete DVD, get in touch using the contact page.

Click here to view the YouTube clip.

Croxton Abbey history

David — Mon, 03 May 2010 15:36:02 +0000

Walk past the end of Bescaby Lane along a farm track, turn left along a picturesque footpath, and you soon come to Croxton Park on the right. It’s difficult to imagine that this tranquil valley was once home to one of the richest and most powerful abbeys in the region.

The abbey once owned most of Waltham. But that ended when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the 1530s. Now all that remains are a few carved stones balanced on a wall. Click here to read the full history of Croxton Abbey.

Ken’s latest finds

David — Sun, 02 May 2010 11:12:54 +0000

Metal detectorist, Ken Pritchett’s brings us up to date on his most recent finds in the fields around Waltham. They include some fascinating discoveries, including part of a pocket calendar, 12th century coins minted in the reign of William the Conqueror’s son, a small medieval face (left). And far more mundane articles such as clog fasteners, brooches and belt buckles.

Click here to read Ken’s latest article.

Faces from the past

David — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:48:55 +0000

The litchen-covered stone faces that stare down from the walls of Waltham Church probably date back more than 500 years – to the 14th and 15th centuries. It’s difficult to imagine how different – and difficult – life must have been in those medieval times.

I’ve photographed all the faces on the ground level – and some of the ladies are particularly striking. They seem to have been carved in pairs – presumably wealthy husbands and their wives who paid for the privilege of being imortalised in stone. Click here to view the photos.