The story of forgotten village Stretton Baskerville

AT this month’s meeting, Hinckley Family History Society heard from Hinckley Archaeological Society and Family History member Sheila Lockett the story of ‘Stretton Baskerville Remembered’. MOST local people will be aware of ‘Stretton Bends’ on the A5, near to the Three Pots junction. Some will know of Stretton House that sits nearby. But many may not be aware that we have a deserted village between there and Burton Hastings – Stretton Baskerville.

A society spokesperson takes up the story of the evening:

Sheila explained how evidence has been found of occupation of this site going back to the Stone Ages. Hand axes and cutting tools have been found in abundance. We also learned of the presence of Bronze Age burial mounds found nearby at the Axe and Compass roundabout. Sheila explained how the confluence of two brooks and the River Anker in this area would have been a sound reason for settlement.

We then moved on to consider the village itself. Sheila explained how villages could become deserted through clearance by a Lord or the King, plague or some other natural cause. In the case of Stretton Baskerville, it was ‘development’ to clear the way for more profitable sheep and cattle.

Domesday recorded eight villagers and four smallholders in the settlement of Stratone. By 1166, the settlement was owned by Ralph Baskerville. Sheila also told of connections with the rebellion led by Simon de Montfort in the 1200s. In the 1300s, John de Twyford was Lord of Stretton Baskerville and Sheila explained that it was Thomas Twyford who triggered the end of the village in 1488 when he cleared three cottages (and their inhabitants) to enclose the land belonging to him.

We learned that, soon afterwards, the new owner of the Manor – one Henry Smith – completed the enclosure and evicted the remaining eighty villagers. He then turned the land over to grazing. The church itself, whilst not demolished, fell into ruin.

Sheila explained how, in the 1600s, rebuild- ing the church was considered but it was never done and, by 1636, nothing was left standing. Sheila also mentioned that the name of the church has never been discovered.

We learned how the 1841 census shows 74 people in the area of the village, and that the census records show how folk in the area had come from all over the county. Today, the land is turned over to pasture, but there are gates and paths that give access to the site of the village. The medieval houses sat on a ridge, whilst the plateau marking the site of the church is visible.

The society will next meet at St John’s Church Centre on 6 December when they will hold their Christmas Social and Bring and Tell meeting.

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Nonmembers are welcome. Contributions of nibbles and drinks are invited, along with any family or local history tales that folk may like to informally share.

For more details, contact 01455 612261.