Search results for ""Author Malcolm Elliott""

Leicestershire has had an eventful history. As with other counties, for the most part the story is of the centuries-long progression of the agricultural years, the growth of towns, of industry and of population. But, from time to time, something happens that, if there had been television, would have put Leicestershire on the news and in the headlines of the next day's papers. A book about events must be selective... ranging from those that shaped the county's history and even that of the nation, to those that only feature in the local sporting calendar, like the annual Bottle-Kicking at Hallaton.Fox-Hunting is the county's most widely-known sport and gave rise to many events, not least the first meeting of King Edward VIII with Mrs Simpson, for he was an active hunter! For those who now live in the county, whether their parents or grandparents did, there is an enormous fascination in knowing what happened next door, down the street, or in the next hamlet, in the past. There are some very recent events, such as the great discovery of gold and silver coins in 2002, some a little earlier, like the callous murder by Earl Ferrers of his steward in 1760, the first Cook's tour in 1814, or the production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera at Wyggeston Boys school. But throughout this very entertaining and splendidly illustrated book the author succeeds in casting new light on the fascinating history of Leicestershire by picking on the juicy bits! That is an event!!

Read more less

Leicester has been neglected by national historians. It is neither typical of industrial centres nor has it the charm of an ancient town that escaped the ravages of Victorian rebuilding. Yet it is both a market town of great antiquity and the scene of phenomenal industrial growth. This book is about its transformation. In the formative years of the city, the Corporation of Leicester had the services of Samuel Stone, famous author of the Justices' Manual, as Town Clerk from 1836 to 1872. He was one of a liberal oligarchy that so dominated municipal affairs that division inevitably appeared within its ranks as supporters of civic improvement clashed with more cautious 'economists'. Some historians tend to view social reform from the standpoint of Westminster and particularly through the eyes of Edwin Chadwick but not all the local authorities that opposed him were enemies of progress. In Leicester centralisation was opposed not by provincial parsimony but by a determination to face social problems without waiting for initiatives from London. In matters of public health, particularly the first Medical Officers in Britain were appointed in Leicester, in 1846, and problems of sanitation and housing were tackled with a vigour far in advance of most other towns. In many respects, Leicester led municipal growth. This book will fascinate students of urban history, all historians of life in Victorian Britain and all those present-day inhabitants of Leicester with an interest in the making of their city.

Read more less