The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland

14/06/2026

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS - 3rd to 7th June 1926

3rd June - We see people collecting water from what is also known as Caldwell Spring. And it was a good source of water right up until 1950.

5th June - Another example of how people were still living. Fortunately, land has been acquired and new houses are set to be built soon.

Imagine the census record. Don't forget, you can do some house and family research using Find My Past by looking at census records. You can visit the Record Office or ask your local library for access.

7th June - There aren't many church services made from a boat. It must have been well advertised as well because rev Disney drew quite a crowd.

At the Record Office we do hold church registers and other in depth church documents like service registers. Just wondering whether this service was recorded in the register.

13/06/2026

VILLAGE PORTRAIT - Somerby in 1975

Here's a village that is still retaining all that a village should have even though the population isn't quite what it used to be.

12/06/2026

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS - 10th June 1926

One big event that was taking place this week was on the 9th June. It was the Women Peace Pilgrimage down to London declaring "Law not War" and asking all governments to disarm.

Here we see the Leicester Women as they embark on the journey and hoping to join other women as they go down the A1 to Hyde Park in London.

As they left Leicester from Abbey Park in their blue and white pennants, they were joined by 150 more from Derby. And I'm sure that they'll be plenty more joining the parade.

And although many commended the actions of all the women involved, there were some of the opinion that matters at home were more pressing, like bringing peace to industry.

In 2016, there were various re-enactments around the UK to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the event.

11/06/2026

10/06/2026

The Oakham Canal:

The Oakham Canal act was passed in 1793, allowing for the creation of a canal between Melton Mowbray and Oakham. The canal was completed in June 1802, however boats did not use the stretch to Oakham until later in the year. The canal spanned just over 15 miles and included 19 broad locks. Starting in Melton Mowbray at the Burton Street Basin, the canal meandered through Saxby, Stapleford Park, Edmondthorpe, Market Overton, and finished at the wharf in Oakham.

The canal was built as an economic and efficient way of transporting goods such as coal, and building materials into Oakham and the surrounding area, and it also meant the waterway could be used to transport agricultural produce and goods out of the area.

The canal however was not without its problems. An intended reservoir at Langham was never constructed, and during the summer months water supply to the canal was an issue and could cause temporary closures, often weeks long. The emergence of plans for railways in the area also caused fears of a negative impact to the navigation.

The canal was closed in 1847 following the sale of the waterway to the Midland Railway Company. This was to allow the construction of the Syston and Peterborough railway.

If you are interested in learning more about the Oakham canal, the Record Office holds numerous books about the canals of the Midlands, and ones specific to the Oakham canal. We also hold the plan and book of reference for the canal (ref: QS72/4), the act to authorise the purchase of the canal by the Midland Railway Company (ref: QS79/3/16), and the act for creating the canal (ref: QS79/3/24).

Image below: front page of the act for creating the Oakham canal (ref: QS79/3/24)

07/06/2026

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS - 20th May 1926 and 25th May 1926

We end the month of May with two desperate stories. First, we have the family living in stables in Market Harborough and then we have the woman with four children having to back from America because she was abandoned by her American husband.

In both instances, creating a family history can be awkward at the best of times, but when a family member goes off the radar, you never know for what reason.

04/06/2026

29/05/2026

On the 29th of May 1882 Abbey Park was officially opened to the public. The Leicester Corporation had purchased the land, which was part of the Abbey Meadows, in 1876, and had commissioned William Barron to create the grounds and gardens following a design competition. The park was opened by the Prince (future King Edward VII) and Princess of Wales, with thousands of people lining the decorated procession route from Leicester Station to the park. Following the opening of the park, a luncheon was organised by the Mayor to entertain the visiting Royals, and a fire work display lit up the skies in the evening. The images below show an invite and menu for the Mayor’s luncheon (ref: M600/3).

28/05/2026

VILLAGE PORTRAIT - Groby in 1976

This village is well connected with industry and transport. It has probably grown since 1976 as well. So many stories to be told.

26/05/2026

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS - 19th May 1926

A major event in the City as reconstruction came to a close on the Old Town Hall.

Here at the Record Office, we are fortunate to have various documents about the Town Hall throughout the years, but we do have M1032, which are plans of the building (ground and first floors) showing a before and after situation.