Handel, and Messiah, probably passed through Burbage
ON April 13 1742, George F. Handel first performed his Oratorio Messiah in Dublin.
In the days leading up to this momentous occasion, Handel and his London musicians travelling to Dublin via Holyhead would of course have traversed The Watling Street from start to finish.
In Burbage there is situated The Horsepool going up the hill to the centre of the village from Lutterworth Road to Church Street, a small diversion from the A5.
Although today, most think that the pond is there to refresh horses - but it was in fact the place where stage coaches could change horses from a pool of fresh horses for onward journeys on England’s main arterial route from one capital city to another.
Therefore, the score of Messiah travelled along the present A5 with the famed composer. It is also more than probable that both rest- ed awhile in Burbage before reaching Atherstone and beyond.
The collaborator and friend who supplied the text/libretto for Messiah was Charles Jennens who lived at Gopsall Park, an area of Crown Estate land in Hinckley and Bosworth.
It is located between the villages of Appleby Magna, Shackerstone, Twycross and Snarestone.
Handel visited quite often and even designed an organ for the house on one visit. Alas, the house was demolished after being used for radar experiments during WW2.
In September 1742 Handel returned from his time in Ireland to London, again passing by Hinckley and Burbage, and perhaps again changing horses at The Horsepool.
Nigel Allcoat Aston Lane, Burbage