Category: Village Stories

  • King’s Newnham Potted History 1921

    ,

    Over the years various local directories have summarised the history of the two villages. The King’s Newnham entry was often far more detailed than might have been expected for a village of its size. This is an example of such an entry, from Kellys Directory of 1921, which gives a potted view of village history… Read more

  • Jaggard’s Cottage

    , ,

    The original Jaggard’s Cottage was built at the end of the 19th century, and has been a notable landmark in the village ever since. Although the property has been extensively revised, the name and the fact the cottage stood directly onto the road that became known as Church Road has been retained. The cottage was… Read more

  • Yuletide Miscellany

    In 2018 Village Historian Frank Hartley compiled a series of articles for the Village Magazine to bring together stories from the Villages past relating to the current month. This is the December article. Christmas is coming and, like Little Jack Horner, I shall “put my thumb” into the Christmas pie of Church Lawford’s and King’s… Read more

  • All in an April evening

    In 2018 Village Historian Frank Hartley compiled a series of articles for the Village Magazine to bring together stories from the Villages past relating to the current month. This is the April article. Traditionally April is the month when life renewed awakes from winter slumber in the hard cold earth. It is no longer winter… Read more

  • March Past

    In 2018 Village Historian Frank Hartley compiled a series of articles for the Village Magazine to bring together stories from the Villages past relating to the current month. This is the March version. As befits a month which marks the transition from winter to spring, the month of March traditionally, “comes in like a lion… Read more

  • The King’s Newnham Monster Fish

    In March 1802 the Coventry Standard reported on an unusual event in King’s Newnham. The words of the report have been transcribed below as they are rather tricky to read, but the creature found is described as the “greatest curiosity this country ever produced” – one which the British Museum would deem as “a valuable… Read more

  • Maddest Merriest Day Springtime

    ,

    Frank Hartley wrote an article for the Church Lawford and Kings Newnham Village Newsletter in 2018 regarding village May Day Celebrations. The Maddest Merriest Day Springtime is, at last, here in Church Lawford. All the familiar signs tell us that it is so. The sun rides higher in the sky; winter woollies are cast aside;… Read more