Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society
Founded 1855
Leicestershire Notes and Queries
Do you have a specific question about the archaeology or history of Leicestershire and Rutland, or know the answer to a query posted on this page?
If so, please send an email to Richard Buckley or a letter to the Society and we shall post your enquiry/answer on this page.
August 2010 November 2007 October 2007 August 2007 July 2007 May 2007 April 2007
AUGUST 2010
Q
The font Family of Leicestershire
I am writing a book dealing with the origins and history of a group of families known as the Tribes of Galway, fourteen merchant families who dominated the town from the medieval to early modern era. Town records states that one of the families, Font, "settled in Galway at the beginning of the fifteenth century, they sprung from an ancient English family of Leicestershire."
The original form of the surname appears to be de Font or de Fonte, meaning it was derived from a placename, and thus (probably) not a surname such as l'enfaunt, which is attested in 13th and 14th century Ireland.
Very little information exists on the family, and I am not hopeful that there will be much more in Leicestershire; nevertheless, I would be grateful if you could place me in contact with someone familiar with local families and placesnames in that era. Anything at all pertaining to the family would be most welcome.
Is mise,
Adrian James Martyn.
NOVEMBER 2007
Q
New Walk Dress Shop
I know that my Great Great Grandmother worked in a very high class shop making dresses for the upper classes. This was owned by a Madame Gretaruex (or similar I have never been good at French). This Establishment was situated in New Walk shopping Mall and must have existed early 20th Century. I was wondering if you or any of your Society have heard of this and have any details etc about it (are there any old photos of the shops that existed in New Walk from that era?)
Thanks for your help
Kevin Watson..
Q
Borysworth
Several years ago I found a genealogical reference to a place in Leicestershire called Borysworth. Since that time I have been trying to identify where Borysworth was located with a hope of doing additional research. Until tonight I found nothing but at Google books I found a reference. It was in a book called:
Materials for a History of the Reign of Henry VII.: From Original Documents ... - Page 584 by William Campbell - Great Britain - 1873
The material on page 584 shows
Chambers Londis in Borysworth, co. Leicester ; 458. Chambre, Elizabeth ; 366.
Henry, an idiot ; 130. William ; 480, 481. — William, licensed to found a ...My question, does anyone know where Borysworth is located ? Because of the Henry VII connection, was it Bosworth ? I've checked and couldn't find a Borysworth connection, nothing on the British National Archives web page, various Gazetters or the Domesday book.
The genealogical reference mentioned above is a reference to an LDS work called Medieval Families that lists several Stokeses who lived at Borysworth before 1500, about the time of Henry VII.
Any suggestions or references appreciated.
Also still interested in information on Wycomb, Leicestershire.
James StokesA
The Victoria History of Leicestershire Vol. 5, lists Borisworth as being an early name for Husband Bosworth, this is online at http://www.british-history.ac.uk/report.aspx?compid=22039 This links to what appeared to be two different Stokes families, the De Stoke family of Husbands Bosworth and the Stokes family of Borysworth. It was apparently a single family.
(answered by the questioner!)
Q
We would like to find out more about George Bankart who is my husband's Great Grandfather. We know he did a lot of photography and that he had certainly had one of his photographs in the 1888 edition of The Complete Angler. Searching for this on the internet I was also led to your Spring 07 Newsletter with the article on the 3D Photography which featured George Bankart. We have a photo of George as an old man, & a small silver salver awarded to him (A.P.A. Prize 1869 Captain G.Bankart). We also have a copy of a photograph of a picture of Dr Abraham Bankart of Leicester, born 1661 and died 1763 aged 104 !! We would like to trace the original etching (possibly photographed by George). Abraham married Elizabeth Staples (b.29th August 1683 d. 22nd October 1783) on 10th August 1712 but we cannot trace Abraham any further back,. The thought is that he came over from Holland at the time of William of Orange, one of whose Admirals was Adriaan Bankart/Bankert. Both their ages and their appearance (we have copies of 2 etchings of Adriaan supplied by The National Maritime Museum) could suggest that Abraham and Adriaan were brothers or cousins. I would be very very grateful if you could point us to any local archive or art collection that could possibly give us more details of Abraham and particularly his portrait. I do not know whether it is of any interest to your society from the historical perspective but another Bankart relative of Leicester was well known for decorative Plaster Work. I believe that some 30--40 years ago my Father-in -law handed over to some Institution in Leicester certain portfolios of this plaster work.
Anne Bankart
I would also like to know a bit more about George Bankart, photographer, and his family. I have in my possession a 19th century (privately printed) fishing book. When I purchased it there was a bundle of letters inside. These included correspondence between a "G. Bankart" of Leicester and what I deduce to be an officer of the British Army, then based in Ireland. His surname appears to have been Metge. In effect, there is a correspondence course on fly-tying. Eventually, it is clear that the two of them may have set off on a fishing expedition together. I do not know if "my" G. Bankart was a photographer, but you obviously do. If he was also a fly-tyer, then perhaps they are one and the same. Not having the book to hand right now, I cannot tell you the address of "my" Bankart, but I can easily check that out.
Regards,
David Grayson (23 Jan 2008)Further to my last message, "my" George Bankart's address (in August 1891) was West Walk, Leicester.
I note that a George Bankart of Leicester was President of the Leicester Photographic Society in or around 1893, and that this person was known for providing photographs for books on fishing.
Could they be one and the same?David Grayson (30 Jan 2008)
OCTOBER 2007
Q
King Lud's Entrenchments
Does anyone know the earliest evidence for this place-name? It's in Nichols (1795, vol 2 p305) - can anyone beat 1795?
Yours Adam Stout
AUGUST 2007
Q
I live in Auckland, New Zealand and am the daughter of John Kenneth Payne of Leicester born 16.08.1916, and his father was Francis Payne, born 16.03.1883. His family spoke of a Payne manor house that was unable to be claimed by the family for reasons we were not clear about (death duties / taxes / disrepair??)
My daughter Sarah and her husband are planning to visit England in November and are interested in visiting the house if possible but we do not know where it is or what it is called. Are you able to help with any information? A cousin believes the house may have once been owned by a Thomas Payne. Any information at all would be much appreciated.
Many thanks
Lucy Addison (nee Payne)
A
Dear Lucy,The Payne Manor House that you speak of may well be the Medbourne Manor House which was purchased by Thomas Payne in the sixteenth century. Thomas’s son held the manor house until 1615, but when he died his son soon sold it on to Henry Nevill. Here you may find the reasons for its departure from the family.
I suggest that you read this http://www.le.ac.uk/lahs/downloads/2001/NHillTLAHS2001.pdf
Kindest Regards,
Lynda Hull
Q
I wonder if you or any of your members can help me? I am looking for any information regarding Manors at Gartree and Brantinghamthorpe ( now possibly called Bruntingthorpe) that were granted to a Robert Clitheroe in the early 15th century. Robert Clitheroe was a yeoman of the kings chamber to Henry V. Does anyone know if there is any evidence, of ruins, present buildings, or documentation to show where these Manors were. Also any information of the man himself? As you can see my information is to say the least sketchy, so anything would be very much appreciated. Regards Ed Clitherow
A
There is a possible moated site at Bruntingthorpe on the Leicestershire Historic Environment Record. Gartree, however, refers to an ancient administrative area below county level but above the level of parishes, so the grant of a manor at Gartree is unlikely. Bruntingthorpe is not even in Gartree (but Guthlaxton) - so the possible confusion does not seem to be Bruntingthorpe in Gartree. There is no reference to Clitheroe under Bruntinghthorpe in John Nichols' History and Antiquities of the County of Leicester (18th century).
PL
Can anyone else help with this ?
JULY 2007
Q
I have a question about a building in the village of Wycomb, Leicestershire. Does the fact that this house at one time had a bake oven and brewing facilities, suggest that this house was the Manor House? (This information from an elderly gentleman in Wycomb who help renovate the building many years ago, they also found a coin dated 1602 when they removed the floor boards) For what its worth, a floor plan of a Manor House on the internet suggests that it had brewing and bake facilities. A second internet source suggested there would only be one bake oven in a village. I live in the U.S. but I'm communicating with someone who lives and is interested in the history of Wycomb. I'm doing my family history but I'm interested in the history of the village to add substance to my history. The thing that prompted this interest in Bake ovens was that George Stokes, in his 1587 will instructed his son Robert to bake bread for the poor of Wycomb and Chadwell. I had hoped at one time to see if I could find evidence he may have lived in this house but his will describes him as a husbandman. What would happen to a Manor House that wasn't being lived in by the master ? Would it be rented out, left empty ? Wycomb was part of the Peculiarity of Rothley ? Does that suggest that whoever owned Rothley also owned Wycomb ? I'm not sure how these parishes were organized but one source seemed to suggest this was the case. Any answers you can provide would be appreciated. If you know of any sources on Wycomb, other than Nichols's History of Leicestershirewhich I've seen, would be appreciated as well. Thanks, Jim
A
Can anyone help with this ?
MAY 2007
Q
I am contacting you regarding a point of research that I am hoping you or some of your members at the historical society may be able to help with. The heritage service at West Berkshire Council are currently
bringing together interpretative material for Shaw House, a recently restored Elizabethan manor house which is due to open to the public next year. The first family to own Shaw were the Dolmans, from 1554 to 1728.
During my research, I have uncovered direct links between Sir Thomas Dolman III and Enderby Hall, Allexton and Packington in Leicestershire. Sir Thomas inherited Enderby Hall in 1668 from William Quarles; he then sold it to Richard Smith in 1695. He also appears on deeds relating to Allexton and Packington in 1655 and 1672 respectively, although I do not yet know the nature of these deeds.
I am therefore seeking to discover more about Sir Thomas' dealings in Leicestershire, particularly the background of the deeds mentioned above. These links will shed light on his works at Shaw, and tell us
more about where this gentleman spent much of his time.
Would you be willing to ask your members if they know of anything that may help me in this matter? I believe the Allexton and Packington deeds are held in Leicestershire archives, so perhaps that would be a good
place to start if any of your members were interested in pursuing this matter further.
Sarah HammondA
Can anyone help with this ?
Q
Could you please tell me if you have any records/information re Rector Mathew Phillips and Reverend James Coughlan of Church of England Markfield Leicestershire in 1846-1847. Also Alderman Tidd Indenture of 1906 and any previous Indentures on record re Rectory Gardens/Memorial Hall.128 Main Street Markfield. Appreciate any/all information.
Susanne
A
Can anyone help with this ?
QMy grandfather's family came from Hinckley where they all seem to have been master builders. The family name was Ireland and they lived in Bond St. Hinckley. I will be coming to Hinckley 13th-16th May and hope to be able to locate where they lived and some of the premises they built but am not sure where to start looking.
Title deeds, building permits, surveyors reports? Could you please give me some suggestions.
Gwen NelsonA
Can anyone help with this ?
APRIL 2007
Q
I am the Archivist for The West Highland White Terrier Club of England (though I now live in France). The most famous breeder of these dogs was born in Hinckley and as an adult, lived at Burbage Hall circa 1918 and Cadeby Hall circa 1939. She was Alice Mabel Pacey, nee Hawley. Her father, Alfred Ernest Hawley owned a hosiery dyers and finishers company in the area. I am trying to find a photograph of either of the above houses. In addition,there was a rumour of a family connection to Sketchley Cleaners, maybe through her father or her husband Cyril J Pacey. Could you put me in contact with anyone who might be able to help?
ThanksRobert Hill
A
Can anyone help with this ?
Q
I am trying to search for relatives around the 1903 to 1929 years from the local village to Coleorton of Gelsmoor. May I enquire as to if you have any representatives or local knowledge of this area that may be of some assistance to me? I am trying to trace Mr Simpkins and a daughter Stella Simpkins born in 1906 and living in Mr Simpkins living in Gelsmoor, Coleorton in August 1929. I would be very grateful if you could help, as most of my avenues are fast becoming shut!
Kind regards
Susan GoaterA
Our society does not specialise in family history and so I doubt whether we can help. Later in the year we will have a web page on which I will post such enquiries to see if anybody can help those making such enquiries.
Your best bet is to contact the Leics and Rutland Family History Society. You can find their web site by selecting LINKS on our home page (at the bottom). Likewise, you might find the county record office can help as they are the custodians of parish records. We publish each year a volume of Transactions and the index to these
volumes which started in 1862 can be found on our web site under publications.
I hope you manage to solve your problems.ADM
Q
I am trying to find information on a manor that was in my ancestral lines; it is in Leicestershire and is referred to as the manor at Quenby, and sometimes as Quenby Manor. It is not the Quenby hall that is there as that house is too new. The one I'm looking for was built somewhere between the late 1200's and the early 1300's. It was built by the De Ashby's who are descended from a man named Sasfrid who is said to be the under lord of a William Perevel. This Sasfrid is mentioned in the Domes day book from what I know; he held several estates in the
Leicestershire area, of which land for the Catesby Priory was donated. This is pretty much all that I know, I can't seem to find an record of this Quenby Manor, and I do not know if it still stands or possibly has been renamed since the last record I have of it which was around the late 1500's I believe. Thank you for any help or information you may have, and thank you for your time.
Daniel N. Goodwin, SrA, U.S. Air ForceA
There is only one Quenby in Leicestershire. An account of the Manor and Hall appears in our Society's Transactions for 1930-1 (vol 16, 17-43) and there are various references in other volumes (see the online index
via our web site [click on publications and you will find a link to the index]).
In the grounds of Quenby Hall are the earthworks of the former village of Quenby in which there might have been a manor house in which the Lord of manor lived. Alternatively, there might have been an earlier manor house on the site of the present Quenby Hall. The village was never very big and was depopulated between 1485-89 as a result of enclosure for pasture or improved arable. The Ashbys enclosed land here at that time. By 1563 only the Ashbys remained at Quenby. Richard de Ashby (d. 1304) acquired Quenby in 1299.
If you wanted copies of any articles in our Transactions the county record office offer a service and they can be found via our web site (click on links at the bottom of the screen).ADM
Q
I am looking for information about Appleby Brothers, Joseph Jessop, J Jessop and Son, and Jessop and Appleby Brothers all of which operated from "The London Steam Crane and Engine Works" in Leicester.A
Volume 40 (1964-5) has an article 'Leicester Foundries 1845-1914' on pages 63-68 inclusive. This includes a usual list of references on page 68.
ADM
Mark Bloomer responded in January 2008:
'We passed a large crane built by Jessop and Appleby recently on the dockside in Hobart Tasmania. It's a fine looking crane which has presumably been left there for decorative purposes. I've attached our photographs (1, 2, 3) of the crane which also features on the following websites:
http://www.dslrusers.com.au/viewtopic.php?t=130&sid=9bb29ef9a292f6126bc429f9cf765fbf
http://gallery.footprintphotography.co.uk/gallery/1749414_5geRm/4/92933041_qKbC5#92933041_qKbC5
The website below gives some further information on the work done by the Jessop and Appleby company for New Zealand Railways.
http://www.nzrcranes.org/MANUFACT.HTML
