Our talk this Friday October 20th is a change from our Programme Card entry
On Friday our topic is A Little History of Coventry by John Miles, who has kindly swapped places with our scheduled speaker Peter Walters who will now visit us in January. Coventry has a long, varied history and many famous personalities, some of whom have passed into legend, such as Lady Godiva. Evidence of settlement in the Roman period, is followed by Saxon occupation and the establishment of a first a nunnery then a priory. Earl Leofric gave part of his land to this monastery and kept part for himself (and his wife Godiva), thus dividing the administration of the city of Coventry for several hundred years.
Inventor of the jet engine
During this period Coventry became a major centre for the textile industry, and by the 14th century was the fourth largest city in England. It played a significant part in both the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century and the Civil Wars of the 17th. The medieval textile heritage was transformed in the 18th century by the rise of the silk ribbon weaving industry, which employed 25,000 people by the mid-19th century, only to collapse with the importation of cheaper versions. Revival came with clock and watch making, sewing machines, bicycles. motorbikes and, most recently, cars.
To condense this rich heritage into a little history sounds like a stimulating challenge, and we look forward to John Miles’ talk with keen anticipation.
Report on September 15th evening talk. Sir Lawrence Washington, the 16th century builder of Sulgrave Manor, made his entrance magnificently dressed, as befits the Lord of the Manor and Mayor of Northampton. He went on to describe the history of Sulgrave Manor and the Washington Family. His cod piece drew particular attention, but it was, as he explained, a justifiable the expression of the Washington family’s fecundity. At a time when rates of childhood mortality meant that only one in 10 children reached adulthood and death in childbirth was a common fate for women, the Washington genes proved remarkably resilient. He and his wife Elizabeth had 11 children and his son, Lawrence II and his wife Margaret, had 18 children.
Originally from Northumberland, in the 12th century the family name was de Hertburn, but they acquired the name of their home – Wessyngton – which became Washington in the 16th century. Coming south as a fixer for the aristocracy Lawrence Washington built up a thriving textile trading business, helped by his second wife’s fortune. He built the manor in 1540 soon after Queen Elizabeth ascended the throne, and her coat of arms, made in plaster, can still be seen on the gable over the porch. The Washington fortunes declined and in 1659 the family emigrated to the American colonies where they became prosperous land owners. A century later George Washington was in the military before the American Revolution propelled him into political activity. The Washington Arms show three spurs (for knighthood) above two stripes (fields) signifying that the title was granted on the field of battle. The arms were the inspiration for the American Union flag. The ancestral manor in Sulgrave also had its downs and ups.
Our speaker, channelling Lawrence Washington, was Martin Sinot-Smith, Managing Director of Sulgrave Manor Historical Lectures and Tours, whose enthusiasm for its heritage was infectious and much appreciated by the group.
| Date | Speaker | Title |
| 20 October | John Miles | A Little History of Coventry |
| 17 November | Paul Grigsby | Roman Warwickshire |
| 8 December | Various | Members’ Christmas Treats |
| 19 January 2024 | Peter Walters | Charlecote & the Lucy Family |
| 16 February | Stephen Barker | The Battle of Edgehill 1642 |
| 15 March AGM | Vanessa Morgan | Local Rogues & Villains of the 19th century |
Other Organisations’ Events
Warwickshire Local History Society Primary School Hall, Aylesford School, Tapping Way, Warwick, CV34 6XR at 7.30.
Tuesday 17th October. Mr Gaydon of Brailes and other stories – adventures in local history by Maggie Wood,
Tuesday 21st November. Vulcan’s Temple – the story of Soho Foundry by Andrew Lou
Warmington Heritage Group Village Hall 7.30pm
Thursday 19th October Admiral Cowan- Sailor and Soldier by our own David Beaumont. If you missed this talk at Kineton last year you can catch it again in Warmington!
Lapworth Local History Society Village Hall 7.45pm
Tus 24th October The Gunpowder Plot and its Midland Connections by Allan Jennings
Marton Local History Group Village Hall 7.30pm
Monday 30th October Tales from the Churchyard
Kenilworth History and Archaeology Society Senior Citizens Club 7.30pm
Monday 13th November 60 Years of Change, Working Life at Baddesley Clinton 1923 – 1980
by Jill Kashi
British Association for Local History. The Kineton Group is a Member of BALH and they run lectures and talks which are open to our members. www.balh.org.uk for upcoming talks available virtually.
Don’t forget to check our own website at: Kineton and District Local History Group
Membership.
If you would like to become a Member of the group, it is worth considering waiting to join until our 2024 membership year starts in January. The entrance for non-members at our meetings is £3.00 so paying for the each of the three remaining 2023 meetings is a saving! Members renewing in January note that you can pay by cheque made payable to Kineton and District Local History Group, sent or delivered to:
Alec Hitchman,
The Hills Farm,
Pillerton Hersey,
WARKS, CV35 0QQ,
With our bank now charging for payments by cheque or cash, we would urge those who can to please pay by BACS to our bank business account:
name: Kineton and District Local History Group,
sort code: 40-43-19;
acc. no. 71281992. Please include your full name so we can correctly attribute your payment.
For queries contact Alec on alec.hitchman@btinternet.com
2023-24 KDLHG Committee
President: Dr Robert Bearman MBE
Chairman David Freke
Vice-Chairman Roger Gaunt
Secretary Vacant
Treasurer Alec Hitchman
Outings Secretary Rosemary Collier
Programme Secretary Claire Roberts
Other committee members:
Isobel Gill
Ilona Sekacz
Catherine Petrie (PR)
Pamela Redgrave (Membership)
Contact David Freke tel. 01295 670516 mob. 07876 290044 email: djfreke@gmail.com
DF 15.10.23