Category: Village History
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Newnham Regis References in 1795 Publication
In 1795 a book was published entitled Picturesque Views on the Warwickshire, or Upper Avon, written by Samuel Ireland. The book considers the various settlements alongside the River Avon from the source on the Warwickshire borders. Although it was personally illustrated by the author during the earlier part of that decade, the specific illustrations do… Read more
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Henry Beighton Map – 1725/9
In 1725 Henry Beighton carried out a survey of Warwickshire, and the resultant maps were published in 1729, including as an update to the “Antiquities of Warwickshire” work written by William Dugdale. The key to these maps indicates that the churches are drawn to their true shape and of four sizes as they bear proportion… Read more
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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
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King’s Newnham Census 1851
Details of the King’s Newnham Census of 1851 are here. Details of subsequent censuses, which gradually introduce more details on locations, occupations and birthplace can be found here. Name Status Age Birth Year Birthplace Address Harry Brierly Head 45 1806 Brinklow Newnham Hall ( Miller & Farmer 281 Acres) Margaret Brierly Wife 45 1806 Cumberland… Read more
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Church Lawford Census 1851
Key fields from the Church Lawford Census have been extracted, and occupation / location data added as detailed below. Name Status Occupation Age DOB Place of Birth Josiah Billingham Head Publican (White Lion) 48 1803 Church Lawford Mary Billingham Wife 41 1810 Avon, Staffordshire Mary Ann Hitchcock Daughter 9 1842 Church Lawford Helen Billingham Daughter… Read more
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From County to Village
Over the centuries there have been a number of reorganisations of the various subdivisions of the country, and of each of those subdivisions themselves. This page attempts to explore how and when the boundaries of the two villages were defined, and how they fit into the district and county structure. The starting point for such… Read more
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Stude Chapel on Dunsmore Heath
In the original Ordnance Survey map of the area from the 1830s there is a reference to a chapel on Dunsmore / Wolston Heath, towards the southwest corner of Church Lawford Parish, not far from Rookery Hall Farm. There is a reference to this chapel in the ancient historic writings of William Dugdale titled “Antiquities… Read more
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Power Shortages in the 1970s
A number of winters during the 1970s were affected by significant spells of Power Cuts, often pre-planned and for several hours. Although the most well known tend to be associated with the “Winter of Discontent” in 1978/79, arguably the problems were greater earlier in the decade. in late 1970 there was a series of strikes… Read more
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Nationwide Events With Agricultural Impact
There have been a number of nationwide events which have significantly impacted on the agricultural community. Foot and Mouth Disease In several years, including 1924, 1951, 1967 and 2001 there was an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease that affected the farming community in many ways. As well as the impact on farming there was… Read more
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Lawford’s Air Heritage
Many will be aware of the existence of RAF Church Lawford during the war, and further details are provided below, along with details of the air activities prior to the war. In 1932 there was an air display based at Lawford Heath organised by Sir Alan Cobham using a grass air-strip for public flights as… Read more