The Society was formed in March 2001. One of our long term aims is to create a comprehensive history of the village and parish of Belton in Rutland and neighbouring areas. As well as recording information for future generations we regularly publish a journal of the information we’ve managed to find. These are available in local book shops, Oakham Museum or direct from the society.
We are building a collection of old village photographs which are being recorded and stored electronically. We’re also collecting important and interesting documents and artefacts into an archive. We’d love to hear from anyone who has something about the village they would like to share.
Our Research Group has worked on various projects and written articles in our published journals that have included subjects as diverse as: the Belton Enclosure Award; Childhood in Belton; Discoveries in our Walls; the seventeenth century origins of College Farm, Leighfield; the bombing of Belton; The Tenants of College Farm; Memories of Belton School 1946-1952 and ‘Nuisances in Belton’ (the effect of The Sanitary Act of 1870).
We have an Oral Group that is recording conversations with many of the older villagers on various aspects of village life such as: memories of growing up in Belton and attending the village school from around 1915 onwards. Some of these conversations have been published in the Society’s Journals and have revealed a fascinating side of village life over nearly a century.
We also hold open meetings where we guest speakers give talks on local history topics, non-members are welcome to come along and enjoy the evening with us.
The Society welcomes new members of all ages from anywhere who have an interest in Belton and its history.