N.L.H.S. SITE INDEX
The NLHS Committee after the AGM on 18th April 2017.
L to Right: Joan Shaw, Joan Watkinson (Treasurer), Abigael Brand (Secretary), Wendy Walker (Vice Chair),
Sandra Easom (Chair), David Rippington, Peter Norman (picture partly obscured)
What's New
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Special Exhibitions at Norwich Castle & Time and Tide Museum
Norwich Castle
Admiral Nelson Nelson & Norfolk, 29 July - 1 October 2017
This major exhibition gathers together some of the most important and potent objects connected to Admiral Lord Nelson, reflecting his naval victories, his relationships and above all his affection for his native county of Norfolk.
See Nelson & Norfolk exhibition website -
The Cambridge Antiquarian Society
Sandra Easom has drawn attention to this society and writes: Cambridge Antiquarian Society is a leading (amateur) archaeological society with origins in Victorian times. They have some influential members with meetings held in Cambridge. They have published some important papers over the years and have had some interesting speakers & topics.
The 'Conduit'is their regular publication and you can find a link on Page 3 of our website in the table of associated sites of interest to NLHS. -
The Society's AGM was held on 18th April 2017.
Changes to the Committee: Maureen Hogg has resigned and we have a new member, David Rippington. Bill Smith will continue as Archivist and Rodney Vincent as webmaster.
The AGM was followed by a screen presentation by Peter Norman from his large collection of pictures of old Newmarket -
March 21st 2017 Chapman's 18th century map of Newmarket is thought to be the oldest published plan of the town. Some recemt correspondence has brought to light more details of where copies are now held (see March 2017 Correpondence from Index below).
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January 6th 2017. Well known Cambridgeshire historian Mike Petty has contacted us about the latest version of his Cambridgeshire Collection website which contains a vast number of intriguing tit-bits of history about many Cambridgshire villages and towns, from 1895 and covering most of the 20th century. Of particular interest to our members is the Newmarket Scrapbook file, which to quote Mike has "90 pages that hardly mention horseracing". Among the many items mostly culled from Cambridgeshire newspaper reports are some real gems, such as the report of the man who wanted to pull down the Clock Tower, or the discovery of the Ice Well. Well worth perusal. Go to Cambridgeshire Collection
- December 20th 2016 At our final meeting for 2016, we had welcome bites and drinks, an excellent quiz run by Chris Easom, an invitation to mark local places with our special memories on large scale maps of old Newmarket (David Rippington) and most of all, we enjoyed good Christmas fellowship.
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At our meeting on Tuesday 15th November 2016 Sandra Easom gave an illustrated talk on the history of The Devil's Dyke, the Anglo-Saxon earthworks that for the central part of its length borders the July racecourse. Apart from being a site of great archeological interest The Dyke also supports a wealth of flora and fauna and makes a very interesting and varied walk along its 7 mile length.
In a new article for our website we take an imaginary walk from Woodditton at the southern end to Reach at its northern extremity. See Index above, or Devil's Dyke- May 24th 2016 It is probably safe to say that few people now living are aware the Newmarket had a third official airfield during WWII.
An email from Kenneth Bannerman of the Airfields of Britain Conservation Trust has established that Side Hill was used for military purposes during late 1940 and continued as an ELG (Emergency Landing Ground) through the war (see Correspondence 24th May 2016)- April 16th 2016. Just occasionally we receive what appears at first to be a fairly mundane family history enquiry that turns out to uncover an interesting story involving Newmarket history. So it is with an appeal for assistance from Poul Krog from Denmark who wrote to us about a 19th century Newmarket jockey, Richard Parkinson. The story of how Richard became associated with the Duke of Augustenborg and the intrigue over the Duke's son is now told in a special article researched and compiled by NLHS member David Rippington. You can read this by selecting from Index above, or select here
- February 15th 2016. We have made past references to Tony Pringle's dedicated work in honouring local personnel who gave their lives in the service of their country during the two world wars. He has published two books, 'Exning Remembers' and 'Newmarket Remembers' both mentioned elsewhere on this website (the latter see August 2014 below).
Now his years of research have been brought together on a single website www.undyingmemory.net In addition to Newmarket town records the site covers a surprising number of surrounding villages and gives much detailed service and family information for individual names.
Tony has accomplished a great deal but he is not one to say job done, finished. One advantage of a website over a published book is that it can always be added to and he is pleased to receive additional details should they become available.
Thanks to this work relatives or descendents of those who made the great sacrifice can take comfort in knowing their dead will not be forgotten.- January 2014. Thanks to various enthusiastic people, a great source of pictures from Newmarket and district's past, can be found on the Facebook site. You may have to be logged in to view the pictures. From the Facebook site search just enter 'Old Newmarket' to start the series and go to the albums.
- For those who have not yet discovered the Francis Frith collection of photos of early to mid 20th century Newmarket take a look at Francis Frith's Newmarket Ninety one good quality photos that can be purchased if required. What a far sighted man to go around the country taking pictures of towns and villages that were fast changing
Calendar of Events - 2017All events commence at 7.30 pm on the 3rd Tuesday of the month unless otherwise stated
Next page (pg 2)
15th August - No Meeting
19th September - 'Picture Postcards from World War 1'- Vanessa Mann
17th October - 'The History of Addenbrooke's Hospital'- Hilary Ritchie
21st November - 'Wrought by Fire'- Sandra Easom
19th December - Christmas partyHow do I join the Newmarket Local History Society?
It is quite simple really, you may do so by attending one of the programmed meetings, the doors open at 7 pm, and you can then join whilst there, the cost is just £8 per head, or you may wish to visit for one evening without commitment, this will cost £2 and you can go away and decide.NEWMARKET'S ORIGINS (notes provided by N.L.H.S Committee Member Sandra Easom)
Mention Newmarket and most people think of the pounding hooves of horses and rolling expanses of green turf. The town is justly famous for both of these but its very long and varied history goes far beyond what most people expect.
Unlike most mediaeval towns, Newmarket is not centred on either of its parish churches, St. Mary's or All Saints'. Rather, it is centred on the initial reason for its existence - the ancient Icknield Way - the oldest road in Britain. Its original route followed Palace Street, past All Saints' Church and across the present day cemetery. The Icnield Way also took other courses, notably through Stetchworth and Woodditton. People have journeyed along the Icknield Way since the Stone Age when flint was mined in Grimes Graves in Norfolk and then supplied an extensive trade network.
The area where Newmarket now stands has springs of water and a small river which is essential for any settlement. Bronze Age barrows, showing evidence of early occupation, were scattered across Newmarket Heath until the 19th century when they were cleared to make better conditions for horse racing.
Later, nearby Exning was a main settlement of the Iceni tribe (best remembered for their famous Queen Boudicca or Boadicea who led a major rebellion against the Romans). The Iceni were renowned breeders of horses and dogs, so the Heath has probably seen many more races than we are aware of!
The area where the town now stands was given as dowry to Sir Richard de Argentein in 1200 A.D. when he married Cassandra, daughter of Robert de Insula, Lord of the manor of Exning. Sir Richard encouraged development of the town and was granted a charter for a market almost immediately by the King. In 1223 Newmarket received its first charter for an annual fair. It is important to note that the Plague arrived at Exning in 1227. Therefore, the Victorian theory that people left Exning to start a new town at Newmarket at this time cannot be true (although it is very persistent!).
Newmarket thrived because of its market and a lucrative trade in accommodating travellers and so it continued for centuries, until King James I "discovered" its Heath in February 1604 as a great leisure venue for his court and Newmarket's sporting associations began.....NEWMARKET AND HORSERACING
The local history of Newmarket is inextricably tied up with the history of horseracing. The town is home to the National Heritage Centre which from the autumn of 2016 moved to its new premises at Palace House and Stables which now incorporates the National Horseracing MuseumAddress: Palace House, Palace Street, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EP
The information below hasd been supplied by Palace House Staff.
Website: www.palacehousenewmarket.co.uk
Tel: 01638 667314
Enquiries: info@palacehousenewmarket.co.uk
The National Heritage Centre is situated in Charles II’s sporting palace and stables spanning five acres in the heart of Newmarket and comprises three complementary attractions. The new venue is result of over ten years planning, building and fundraising to become the biggest new attraction to open in Suffolk in the last decade. In April 2017 it was announced that the National Heritage Centre has been shortlisted as a finalist for the prestigious Art Fund Museum of the Year prize.
What you will find at the National Heritage Centre at Palace House….
National Horseracing Museum:
Based in the old Trainer’s House and King’s Yard galleries the National Horseracing Museum tells the story of horseracing from its earliest origins to the world-wide phenomenon it is today. Using the latest interactive and audio visual displays the Museum also takes a different look at the sport, examining the science of the sport.
Your visit will not be complete without riding a winner on our famous Racehorse Simulator!V Rothschild Yard: Discover and meet the heroes of racing themselves - the racehorses!
The Rothschild Yard has been returned to its former glory to stable horses, showcasing the work of the Retraining of Racehorses charity. Here, you can get up close, and meet these beautiful animals. Twice daily, at 11am and 2.30pm demonstrations take place in the Peter O’Sullevan Arena. Check our website for more details of the resident horses and daily demonstrations
Fred Packard Galleries:
Situated in the remaining element of Charles II’s racing palace is the Fred Packard Museum and Galleries of British Sporting Art - a new home for the British Sporting Art Trust. Paintings by George Stubbs and Sir Alfred Munnings rub shoulders with works from John Singer Sargent and John Wootton showcasing the finest British Sporting Art from 17th – 21st Century.
The Tack Room & Pantry Bakery:
Situated in The King’s Yard is The Tack Room. It serves traditional British food with a twist, using the very best that East Anglia and in particular Suffolk has to offer.
The Pantry Bakery offers food to go – from sandwiches to scones, delicious artisan breads and coffee.
Palace House Shop
Our gift shop stocks a wide range of merchandise to remind you of your visit to Newmarket. Many of the products that you will find take their inspiration from objects and paintings in our collections.
Website created and maintained by Rod Vincent (Silver surfer award winner 2004)
e-mail: rodvincent@freenetname.co.uk
If this email link does not work you may need to copy and paste it into your email addressSite counter set to zero 27th October 2008
- May 24th 2016 It is probably safe to say that few people now living are aware the Newmarket had a third official airfield during WWII.