Edmondthorpe

Edmondthorpe is a small village in Leicestershire, close to the border with Rutland. It has Danish origins.

The name EDMONDTHORPE is derived from a corrupted form of the Old English personal name 'Eadmer', in old records spelled variously, EDMERSTHORP (Domesday Book); THORP EDMER; THORP EMERI; THORP EDMEER; EDMERTHORP; or THORP. The most likely origination of the name could be from the Saxon: ED = East; MUND = mound or barrier; THORPE = a street or village. History details may be found at References A and B.

The Church of St Michael and All Angels, maintained by The Churches Conservation Trust, is situated in the centre of the surrounding farms and cottages, close to the ruins of Edmondthorpe Hall. Although in former times a number of households from the neighbouring village of Wymondham "parished" to Edmondthorpe, St Michael and All Angels' Church now holds services on special occasions, only. An illustration of the church is at Reference C and a collection of photographs of the interior and exterior may be found at Reference D, with a detailed view of the fault in the alabaster of the Smith monument, which helped give rise to the Edmondthorpe Witch Legend.

During the Second World War the Hall (built by Sir Roger Smith in 1621) was used as a prisoner of war camp for Italian personnel, but was destroyed by fire in 1943. Buildings from the 19th century stable block remain; photographs at References E and F. An avenue of mature trees leads from South Lodge (formerly West Lodge) to the Hall through the park on the southern edge of the village.

From the road near South Lodge a set of bee boles may be seen in the wall to the left of the church. Photographs and further details are at Reference G.

An embanked section of the disused Melton to Oakham Canal lies to the west of the village and loops under the road between Edmondthorpe and Teigh.

There are several families that have lived in Edmondthorpe over many centuries. These include the Veaseys and Extons. Census transcripts for the village may be found at Reference H.

References

* A. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~framland/Ag/maps/ed.htm
* B. http://www.wymondhamleics.free-online.co.uk/history/history.htm
* C. http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~framland/Ag/pict/pub/15.htm
* D. http://edmondthorpe.le14.co.uk/photos/church/index.htm
* E. http://www.imagesofengland.org.uk/ (Detailed architectural information: search for Edmondthorpe)
* F. http://www.wunderground.com/wximage/viewsingleimage.html?mode=singleimage&handle=JakeYoungUK&number=1&album_id=0&thumbstart=0&gallery=#slideanchor
* G. http://www.wymondhamleics.free-online.co.uk/album/beeboles.htm
* H. http://www.porteusfamily.co.uk/edmondthorpe_b_1861.htm