This is the latest of a series of articles written by popular historian Arthur Tomlin more than 25 years ago. Mr Tomlin sadly died recently. He was extremely well-known in the area as an artist and historian
its way from London to Chester, arriving in the village at 9am. Like all the surrounding villages, Claybrooke maintained its past traditions for many years.
At the funeral of a young man, it was customary to have six young girls clad all in white as pall bearers and the same number of young men wearing white gloves and white hat bands at the funeral of a young girl.
In the past, Claybrooke claimed some very distinguished characters including a very remarkable self taught artist named William Hacket.
When Hacket retired from farming, he set up a business making curious walking sticks, furniture and various articles made from metal.
He lived like a hermit and had his shop full of curiosities. He died in 1805 and was buried in the churchyard.
The Byrd family were substantial landowners in the villages. William Byrd, in his later years became very antagonistic and quarrelled with almost everyone in Claybrooke.
It was at this time that a tornado swept all over the country. The spire was blown off Lutterworth Church and tremendous damage was caused in the villages. This gale in 1703 is still regarded locally as “Byrd’s Wind”.
Another resident who claimed great distinction throughout the country as an auctioneer and timber merchant was Thomas Nixon.
He initially formed the timber merchants business at Claybrooke, which later became known as Coltman Bros, Nixon will be best remembered as an auctioneer.
In 1898, Thomas Nixon’s son, Seagrave, acquired two partners into his auctioneering business. The firm then became known as Nixon, Toone and Harrision, who held livestock markets at Ullesthorpe, Nuneaton and Market Bosworth in 1940.
Joseph Hackney joined the business which carried on for many years and was renowned throughout the county.
The last remaining livestock market at Market Bosworth closed in 1996.
Joseph Hackney lived to the age of 100 and was succeeded by his son Thomas in the firm in partnership with Ronald Goodwin. The firm became known as Hackney and Sons.
St Peter’s Church is situated in Claybrooke Parva and is a very ancient structure. The base of the tower is its oldest stonework and dates back to the 11th century.
Stones on the side of the tower are dated 1614 and 1615 when it was restored by Nicholas Higginson. The tower contains eight bells, the largest dating back to the reformation. The three other original bells are 1526, 1618 and 1672.
In 1929, Beatrice Daffern Seal extended the original peal by adding four more bells on her birthday, which is now recalled every November 6.
There are pinnacles on each angle of the tower, which are 6ft high. There are two entrance porches, one is built of brick and the other was built of stone in 1717.
The church was built of stone from Sapcote or Stoney Stanton and the coloured stone in the interior came from Warwickshire.
The roof of the nave bears marks of considerable antiquity with a variety of grotesque figures covered in wood.
At the front of the north aisle is a very ancient wooden chest which has five locks. Keys were held by five different people so that it would not be unlocked until all were present.
It is believed that there was an alter in the church in olden days as there was a small alcove in the wall to hold the chalice and wine for Mass.
The three-seated Cedilia on the south wall of the sanctuary was designed for the celebration of High Mass.
The circular staircase, which leads to a sealed-off door, offered access in mediaeval days to the road, loft and screen which divided the chancel from the nave and was used for Requiem Mass. These roads were destroyed at the Reformation by an act of Edward VI.
The old font was discovered in the back yard of a cottage and was used as a water trough.
It is believed the font belonged to the original church and it is ironic that the same fate has befallen the fonts at Leire and Sheepy.
The windows in the nave are a history lesson in evolving styles. Those in the north aisle are from the 13th,14th, 15th and 17th centuries.
Behind the vicar’s stall are two small lepers’ windows. As lepers were not allowed inside a church they could visualise the proceedings from outside.
In 1916, the Reverend AH Proctor received the VC for his bravery in France and was vicar of Claybrooke from 1951-1963.
The church had its first rector in 1220 and a Sunday school was instituted into the parish in 1786.
The Dicey family were in possession of Claybrooke Hall until 19th century. Their tombs are beneath the sanctuary area and a tunnel still exists which leads from Claybrooke Hall to the sanctuary.
A free school was erected in 1813 and this received £26 annually from Alderman Newton’s Charity to clothe and educate the poor children of the parish and a new burial ground was consecrated in 1858.
A fine old watermill is situated on a source stream of the River Soar outside the village of Claybrooke Magna. It dates back to the 13th century when a windmill also stood close by. This no longer exists. The watermill ceased operating on Coronation Day 1953.
The wheel, which still exists, is a pitch-back overshot-type made of wood and is 11ft in diameter and 5ft wide. It drove two pairs of grinding stones and many accessories.
Over the years the two villages have changed very little and remain very quiet and peaceful in the midst of beautiful surroundings.