At a well-attended meeting of Edwinstowe Historical Society in September, Chair Shirley Moore welcomed Bob Massey who left no stones unturned when he revealed some of the murders, mysteries and mayhem in the Nottingham area during the past centuries.
Sherwood Forest was the home to many outlaws during the 13th and 14th centuries, especially the Coterel and de Folville gangs. Surviving court records covering Sherwood Forest indicate that many of the events reported bear resemblance to the tales of Robin Hood.
Cannibalism in Nottingham? In the 14th century the city was subjected to the worst famine in history, with inevitable consequences.
Crime and punishment, death and mourning were referred to in detail. From 1558 until 1827 executions took place on Gallows Hill, Mansfield Road, Nottingham on the site of Rock Cemetery entrance, before moving to High Pavement in the city. As a warning to travellers if they broke the law, there was a gibbet at the junction where Mansfield Road (A60) joins the old Rufford Road (A614) at Leapool roundabout.
A recent request has been received from John Hayman, Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Pathology, University of Melbourne, Australia, seeking permission to include in Wikitree the Society’s information relating to his ancestor, Henry Telford Hayman. The Reverend Hayman was a well-respected vicar at St Mary’s Church, Edwinstowe from 1884 until 1907. John also asked to join the Edwinstowe Historical Society as a ‘colonial member’. Needless to say, there was no hesitation in welcoming him as the first Honorary Colonial Member! Another honorary member is Margaret Woodhead, the sole remaining founder-member of the Edwinstowe Historical Society.
The next meeting will take place on Wednesday 15th November at 2.00pm when David Templeman’s talk will relate to ‘Lady Arabella Stuart (the Queen that never was)’.
Meetings are held in the Church Rooms, Mansfield Road, Edwinstowe NG21 9NJ on the third Wednesday of the month, starting at 2.00pm and lasting for approximately two hours. Tea, coffee and biscuits are available.
The annual subscription is £15.00, and visitors are welcome at a charge of £3.00. For more information visit www.edwinstowehistory.org.uk or email EdwinstoweHistorySoc@gmail.com.