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Coleorton in the English Civil War

We all know about the roundheads and the cavaliers - parliamentarians led by Oliver Cromwell and Charles I royalists, but did you know that decisive battles raged between Ashby and Coleorton, with Coleorton Hall being used as a parliamentary base to attack royalist Ashby Castle? Find out more about this fascinating episode of English history that took place on our doorstep. Hear Ken Hillier of Ashby Museum tell the story.

Talk by Ken Hillier of Ashby Museum
Thursday 10th April 6.30pm for 7.00pm

Bright Hope House, Talbot Lane, Swannington, LE67 8QT

More and booking >>

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Coleorton Community Event

Coleorton Heritage Group are hoping to organise a community event in the village this summer and would like your opinion. We are proposing Open Gardens with additional attractions to entertain all age groups.

Could you tell us which of these events you and your family would be interested in?

• Open gardens
• Scarecrow trail
• Children's bear hunt
• BBQ
• Children's games
• Yard sale
• Plant sale
• Historical points of interest around the village

Would you be willing to help with organising? Would you be willing to help on the day?
Please email enquiries@coleortonheritage.org.uk with your name and contact details and let us know.

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Heritage Coffee Mornings

Our next Saturday get-togethers - with a bit of "sleuthing" are 10.30 - noon at The New Inn, Peggs Green:

5 April
17 May
21 June

If you have any questions about Coleorton families, buildings or life as it once was in Coleorton do come along. We enjoy hearing your stories and seeing if we can all help each other discover more about our local village. There will be photos and articles to examine and some transcripts of local census and 1939 register records. We also have a number of class photos from Viscount Beaumont's School.
More >>

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"Time to Remember" booklet series

We've published a small booklet with childhood memories of members and local residents (available for sale at “Sleuthing” and other events, or contact Terry Ward at terryjward@aol.com). We're currently collecting stories and memories for a second issue. If you would like to contribute your own story get in touch with Terry to find out more.

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St John's Chapel

St John’s Chapel, next to the School on Ashby Road, has served the community since it was opened in 1857; however the chapel is now in danger of being lost to the community as it is considered surplus to Church requirements and may be declared redundant. We believe every effort should be made to retain this beautiful and historic chapel as a community building rather than let it lapse into private hands or disrepair. The cemetery will remain open to visitors and new burials.

The Heritage Group is actively engaging with the Diocese regarding options. Our preferred option is to create a community heritage hub:

• For people to visit and learn about Coleorton history and heritage and to undertake research and use the Group's archive of material
• A place to meet for local groups
• More permanent displays of local history
• A nearby facility and support for visitors to the surrounding graves

To be a viable community facility we will need to add a toilet and small kitchenette. The graves come very close to the walls of the chapel so an extension will need to be compact. We are looking at possibilities in the somewhat limited footprint available.

More about St John's Chapel and its history >>

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Working Group Meetings

Our active members usually meet every month or so to organise activities and coordinate research.

If you're interested in local history and would like to be involved with our group please contact Sandra - details below - and I'll let you know about the next meeting. These are informal working group meetings.

In the meantime we'd love to hear your stories and together build our knowledge of Coleorton heritage. Call Sandra on 01530 440000 or email enquiries@coleortonheritage.org.uk to let us know you're coming.

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