Heritage Autumn Talk 2026

"Medieval Earthworks and Buildings at Coleorton"

Speaker: Tim Higgins of the University of Leicester Archaeological Services

Thursday 29 October at
Viscount Beaumont's School, Ashby Road, Coleorton, LE67 8FD

6.30pm for 7.00pm start

The chance to excavate medieval earthworks in the 1990s was a rare occurrence and is still unusual today.The talk will cover the archaeological excavations of medieval earthworks in advance of the straightening A512 Coleorton between May and July 1992. Directed by Mathew Beamish of the Leicestershire Archaeological Unit

The excavations revealed occupation and activity area between the 12th and 18th centuries. Earlier phases reached during excavation date from 12th-13th century and included evidence of medieval timber buildings and associated earthwork construction. The excavations revealed important information on the development of the village of Coleorton and this area of north west Leicestershire.

Entry £5 inc tea/coffee & biscuits

Booking: email Sandra at 01530 440000 or email: enquiries@coleortonheritage.org.uk
Use QR code to go to on-line booking at Give-as-you-Live or click here >>.

Coleorton Then and Now
Old Photographs Wanted!

Coleorton Heritage Group would like to locate any photographs you may have of people, places, buildings or events from the past. We are looking to create a visual record of the village and the surrounding area as it has changed through time.

Images can be in any condition and if accompanied by details of the subject and approximate date, then all the better. If we can borrow or copy your photographs please, that would be great. If you would like to get in touch, we can come to you, or you could bring photos to one of our Heritage Coffee Mornings at The Kings Arms.

or contact Michael Hall: 01530 224062 or mhall@insightconsult.co.uk or Sandra Dillon: 01530 440000 email enquiries@coleortonheritage.org.uk

Publications and booklets

The following small booklets are avilable from Coleorton Heritage Group:

• "Coleorton at War, residents' memories of WWII". Recollections and stories of life for Coleorton residents during the war and at its welcome end.
• "Time to Remember" booklet has childhood memories of members and local residents. 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.
• Coleorton Colliery - Story of the Bug 'n' Wink
• Coleorton's Napoleonic Volunteers - Captain William Willis Bailey, a mining engineer, raised a force of over 100 men in response to the threat of invasion from France during the early 1800s.
• History of the Peters family - spar bauble manufacturers in Coleorton

These and other books and publications about Coleorton and nearby from Heritage Group and others are available to purchase at Heritage Group 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.

More about publications >>

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 >>

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.