Researching Rutland
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Book Review
Belton History Society Journal, Volume 5
Edited by Audrey and Philip Walker
Published by Belton History Society - Available from local bookshops. £9.50
Belton History Society has been in existence for 13 years and in that time this small but active local history
society has organised lectures and exhibitions about their corner of south west Rutland. Their occasional
journal has gone from strength to strength and the latest volume, volume five, was produced at the end of
2013. Following on from previous successes, volume five surpasses the others in its breadth of coverage in
27 articles covering a range of topics concerning Belton, Allexton, Wardley and Leighfield.
The articles range from a history of the Great Fire of Belton in 1776 through to some photographic essays
on the celebration of the Silver Jubilee in 1977 and Belton's change of name day in 1982. In between are
some interesting pieces on earth toilets, bakeries, crime and punishment, transportation, Belton
workhouse, the Baptist Chapel legal disputes and local inquests. A considerable portion of the work is
taken up by segments on the history of Lambley Lodge and College Farm. Much of the material is drawn
from local memory and a fair proportion from the archives of the local press. The editors have not been
reluctant to include smaller articles on a variety of topics and this has strengthened the interest in the
publication as it has included material that would otherwise be lost or disregarded with the larger articles.
Generously illustrated with relevant photographs and successfully edited by Audrey and Philip Walker, this publication should be of
interest to any person with some knowledge of the area or indeed anybody with an interest in the social history of the village during the
last 200 years. It is an exemplary publication showing how much can be achieved by a local history group drawing on the archival
expertise of some members and the oral and remembered folk history of others. Handsomely produced and printed, this volume
should be a model for any village local history society which is thinking of producing a journal. It is a credit to the editors, contributors
and the Belton History Society as a whole.
Hilary J Crowden