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Measham Local History Group
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Members of Measham Local History Group
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An insight into Measham
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“The Manor and lands of Measham originally belonged to King William the 1st before being given to the de Measham family who owned it until 1308 when William de Beresford became lord of the manor, in his time a market and three day fair was granted in 1310.
Records from the time indicate that Measham was a farming community but that coalmining was already being undertaken from the 13th century.
William de Beresford was himself killed while getting coal in 1326. An enquiry after his death stated: "The coal there is worth 13s.4d yearly".
Other holders of the Manor included Walter Blount, who was created Lord Mountjoy, and was Lord High Treasurer of England in 1464.
In 1780 Joseph Wilkes purchased the Manor for the sum of £50,000, Wilkes was one of then most influential men of the industrial revolution, this began a prosperous period in the history of Measham lasting well into the next century, coalmines, banking, tramways, boot, lace, cotton and bleach mills were all serviced by the new Ashby canal.
Wilkes also made Jumbbricks to avoid paying tax, some of these can still be seen in older buildings in the village.
Other interesting sites include: - St. Laurence's Church re-built in 1340 on the site of an existing chapel of ease which dated from 1172.
The Baptist Chapel erected in 1811, although the Baptist ministry has been active in the village since the 1730's.
The Roman Catholic Church of St. Charles Borromeo built in 1881.
The Temperance Hall (now age concern) has been the focus of many village activities since 1852.
Measham is still making history, in 1992 the village became the first rural housing renewal area in the country and was designated the first model village in the new National Forest. In the new Millennium Measham also saw the opening of a new Leisure Centre and plans are in the pipeline to restore the Ashby Canal in the village.”
Information taken from Leicestershire parish councils |
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Measham Local History Group Profile
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The group formed from an evening class, which ran in 1988. Interest remained and has grown over the last 16 years. We are mainly concerned with preserving photographs and documents relating to Measham and its immediate surrounds. We work closely with Measham Museum creating exhibitions, which go on display in the Museum. The museum is a small village museum and centre for local history. The permanent exhibition includes a fascinating collection of artefacts, documents and illustrations covering almost 100 years, preserved by two former village doctors – father and son.
As we work alongside the museum we tend to advertise our activities within their information. This includes a newsletter for Friends of the Museum, which is sent out at intervals. We also make use of a local newspaper produce by Measham Community Office, which prints details of events. Members have acquired various skills, which have enabled us to improve and enlarge our scope of activity. |
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How to contact us:
Write to -
Keith Elliott
Chairman
C/o Measham Museum
High Street
Measham
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE12 7HZ
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Meeting details:
We meet weekly on a Monday evening at 7pm – 9pm, in part of the premises kindly provided by W.B Bradford at 45 High Street, Measham. New members are welcome although our workspace is limited due to our location at the moment.
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Previous Projects and Events
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The group has produced a book called “Measham in Focus” which gives an insight into Meaham’s past through photographs and text. This book is still available.
Our most recent exhibition was about local weddings in the 1800s and onwards.
The group has produced videos of older members' memories, which have been warmly received in Measham, and their showings have been very successful. The group manages and preserves a collection of documents, which can be viewed by appointment.
Further information regarding Measham and its history can be found at the following Websites:
The Sealed Knot Website. An article entitled 'A Midlands Coalmine in the 17th Century' -
Sealed Knot - Coalmine
Leicestershire & Rutland Museums Forum.
Leicestershire & Rutland Museums Forum - Measham Museum
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