Helmdon Branch WEA – Autumn 2007 Course

Helmdon Branch WEA – Autumn 2007 Course
Charity reg. no: 1112775

Autumn 2007 – The Lost & Deserted Villages of Northamptonshire

This was a very popular course that looked in detail at some of this county’s 82 lost or deserted villages. Our tutor, Ted Walmsley, had completed new research on several such villages and was keen to share his knowledge with us.

Many of these lost or deserted villages were already known to us, so it was very interesting to learn more about their history. Through this course we were able to understand the circumstances that caused villages to be deserted throughout various periods in history.

We saw how evidence of village depopulation could be found by analysis of historical documents, examination of aerial photos, and by looking at results of previous archaeological surveys. Ted’s own photos were used to very good effect to show how evidence left in the landscape often provides clues as to the previous location, size and occupation of villages.

Thanks to Ted we now have a much better understanding of our own local area. And, as many of the lost and deserted villages are very close to home, we now have ample opportunity to visit and investigate further.

COURSE OUTLINE

Title: “The Lost & Deserted Villages of Northamptonshire.”

Tutor: Ted Walmsley.

Venue: Helmdon School

Start date: 18th Sept. 2007 Time: 7:30 pm – Registration from 7:15pm on 18th or 25th

Number of sessions: 10 Fees: £37.50 (full) £33.75 (concessions)

Course aims: This course will look at the circumstances behind a village site being lost to the landscape. It will look at different pieces of evidence in our local landscape & how we can learn more through analysis of documents & photographs as well as through ‘oral history’ passed down over the years by local people.

The Topics to be covered:

The course will begin with general appreciation that the rural landscape of Northamptonshire has boasted over 400 villages down the years.

Some have grown to become our market towns whilst others have been swallowed up by urban expansion. Some have suffered a totally contrasting fate, becoming deserted & eventually lost to our landscape. Some have shrunken in size with only a manor house, church or isolated farm marking the original site.

The course will look at a selection of our 80 known ‘deserted’ & ‘shrunken’ villages. It will examine their locations, the reasons for their demise & the evidence that can still be found in the landscape that is visible to the naked eye. A selection of maps, photographs & historical documents will be used during the course to enhance our understanding of these changes.

It may be possible to look in more detail at local sites in the vicinity of the course.

Course members are invited to share any information they may have on their local area as well as further afield in our county.

Learning outcomes:

As a result of this course, you will be able to:

Understand what is meant by a ‘deserted’ or ‘shrunken’ village.
Have a general appreciation of how some local settlements may have reached this stage.
Pick out specific pieces of evidence in the landscape that will show the consequences of desertion.
Study photographic evidence of lost & deserted villages in the landscape.
Understand how the village may have been in the past by using documentary evidence.
Explore how we can add to our knowledge of these sites in our county today & how we may promote a better understanding of them as well as conserving them where possible & appropriate.

Teaching/learning methods to be used:

Teaching/learning will involve activities in both large & smaller groups. Sessions will involve the use of pictorial & written evidence to support the lecture themes. There will be an opportunity to explore the themes further in homework tasks if students wish to. Course members will be encouraged to incorporate & express their own knowledge & experiences. Short personal investigations may be undertaken relating to the principal themes of the course. Your tutor will give you some idea of possible themes but please feel free to discuss your own ideas as well as the subject material from the course.

Requirements of learners (eg. prior knowledge):

This is an introductory course & little or no previous knowledge of the subject is assumed or expected. Students who have information to share or who have an active interest in the course theme are, of course, most welcome. Opportunities to develop a range of study skills will be an integral part of the course. Some aspects of the course may incorporate documentary sources, aerial photographs & the use of maps. Specific guidance will be given in preparation for these. Please tell your tutor if you require bold print &/or an enlargement of the text/image. Please see below if you have any particular support needs.

Financial help:

Should you need any help with the payment of registration fees or childcare, you may be entitled to financial support. Ask your tutor or your secretary for more information or an information sheet. All requests will be treated in complete confidence & respect in accordance with our Learning Support Policy.

Help with learning:

Should you have a disability or learning difficulty, let us know at the earliest opportunity so that we can make arrangements to provide support. All requests for help will be treated confidentially & with respect. Ask your tutor for more information or an information sheet. Should you prefer to, you may contact the Regional Office & ask to speak to someone about learning support.

Help with English, Maths &/or Study skills:

You are also entitled to extra help & support with English, Maths & Study skills. Ask your tutor who can put you in touch with a specialist tutor. Should you prefer, please contact your Regional Office & ask to speak to someone about help with English, Maths & Study skills.

Possible further study/progression:

During the course, the tutor will offer information & advice about further opportunities for learning. A course such as this would give ideal grounding for a more detailed look at Northamptonshire villages & their architecture. This might include churches & large country houses for example.

A number of village walks & trails are now available to follow & for the more active, ramblers & walking groups arrange regular excursions in the natural & built landscapes. Your tutor will have further details & contacts.

Essential books & materials:

Concise works on this subject are relatively few & far between in the context of a county-wide coverage. A number of very good village guides exist in formal published format as well as smaller ‘unofficial’ pamphlets & leaflets. Detail varies immensely but many are fascinating & put together by local ‘experts’.

Your local library will often have a broad collection of materials to peruse; often many are ‘on reference’.

Your tutor will provide some materials to support the course. Information on further reading can be provided on request.

Ted Walmsley. June 2007.