Market Overton - 17th Century Window!

Market Overton: 17th Century Window! (6.11.2025)

What is now the dining area – where I set-up my study space – was probably once part of the garden. Therefore, the window itself was once considered the height of building technology. In those days, draughts from blowing winds were a major issue. The frame of this window is firmly embedded in the wall-structure so that no wind can penetrate. The cement and plaster hold it robustly in place – whilst its relatively small surface area allows for strength and stability. As glass was not as strong then as it is now – the panes of glass used were far-smaller – with each held in-place by its own frame. Furthermore, and a feature I like, is the central pane that possesses a stout hinging and opening and shutting mechanism. Even today – this design still retains much of its original strength – whilst being now inside the house means it is now better preserved.

Oakham Castle - Rutland!

Rutland: Visiting Oakham Castle – the Land of Large Horse Shoes! (29.10.2025)

As we are staying in the Rutland area – we decided to visit the Castle after I saw a so-called “Auditor” who compromised the “good will” of the institute by deliberately igniting a pointless conflict about flying a drone over the property. We felt that we should visit the site, behave properly and with civility, and defend the good culture of England. These Auditing thugs are making money out of YouTube (most are unemployed and are working on the dole) by following a movement which emerged out of the political far-right in the US. Indeed, Rutland is the only place we have visited that is so democratic that we were allowed to “sit” in the Judges Seat whilst the Magistrate’s Court was not in session. We were told this was allowed as the Court “belongs to the people” who pay for it through taxation.

Heavy Horses Toil the Dust!

Rutland Farm Park – The Visit! (28.10.2025)

Unlike the City Farms or the bigger commercial entities – the atmosphere is relaxed. Indeed, a cadre of very alert geese provide the security detail – patrolling the grounds and showing the guests which way to travel in and out of the park! I remember once reading in a book at school (a very long time ago) that Celtic people used to live on the top of mountains and hills – and that it was geese (and not dogs) that used to warn the inhabitants of any approaching strangers! Geese “honk” really loud, and are physically brave, being willing to protect their owners with their lives! Brave little fellows they are!

St Peter & St Paul Church - Market Overton

Market Overton: Visiting St Peter & St Paul Church! (28.10.2025)

Culture is an interesting thing – as it often changes and switches. When Henry VIII abolished the Roman Catholic Church in the UK in 1534 (Act of Supremacy) – followed by the Dissolution of the Monasteries – these were tremendous Revolutionary acts that must of shocked the entire population. Even before this, Henry V annulled all foreign-owned abbeys and monasteries (as many English church establishments had been given as gifts to ecclesiastical authorities in other countries) – bringing them into the ownership of the English State. Perhaps the Revolutionary writing was on the wall. Still, out of all this, the “Anglican” (Protestant) movement development – and most of the churches in the UK today are “Protestant” (the Catholic Church was only permitted back into the UK during the early 20th century – but it remains very much a minority religion).

36 The Main Street - Market Overton - Rutland

Rutland: Teddy’s Cottage – Market Overton! (27.10.2025)

The above is extracted from the linked (historical) articled presented at the top of this article. I believe this information refers to the row of cottages – one of which – we are currently staying within for five-days. This is our current Research Headquarters for this visit (25.10.2025-30.10.2025) – where we will be travelling to and from Duddington (and the surrounding areas). In the information pack provided in the property – it states the house dates from the 17th century (1600s). It possesses two floor, two bedrooms, a downstairs living-room, dining-room, kitchen, and foyer. Much of the downstairs flooring is flagstone – with the floor levels from one room to the next being uneven (on different levels). Apparently, this has something to do with the age of the building.

Rutland - Market Overton - Ancient Village Stocks!

Rutland: Ancient Village Stocks & Whipping Post on Market Overton Green! (25.10.2025)

In the old days, the local Courts would often sentence local people to a set-time in the Stocks. With their hands and feet firmly manacled into the device – the interested village population could take it in-turns to throw rotten fruit and vegetables – together with animal waste and other such horrible substances, at the condemned. This was at a time when long sentences of imprisonment were not yet used as a punishment. This treatment was designed to be so humiliating that a villager would not dare commit a similar crimnal act in the future – or at least that was the intention.

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