Memories of Archery Road
November 13, 2023
My memories of living in Archery Road I lived in Archery Road from 1945-1965. My parents were stationed at RAF Gaydon during the Second World War and they married in 1944 in London (they were both Londoners). I was born in February 1945. After renting in Leamington (there were no married quarters in those days),
Jephson Gardens, 1991
November 9, 2023
This article is based upon an interview with Mr Harold Wragg, Nursery Manager, by Nicola Brooks in 1991. Nicola Brooks interviewed Harold Wragg, nursery manager, in 1991 as part of her studies for a Teaching Diploma in Museum and Gallery Education at Warwick University. This article reviews the issues raised during the conversation. Harold said
“Many Cultures, One Town”
July 25, 2023
We are pleased to announce that our new video is now available online This is the fourth in a series of videos created by Leamington History Group and local filmmaker Mark Ellis chronicling the history of the town. It shows how Leamington recovered after 1945 to become a thriving industrial and tourist town. We also hear the
Gilbert Hopkins Forest, Pigman, Policeman, Publican
July 13, 2023
A Pigman, Policeman and Publican, the story of Gilbert Hopkins Forest The author, Martin Harrison, is an Ordecomedologist (collector and researcher of Orders, Decorations and Medals). As most British medals are named to the recipient it makes specific research possible, often with interesting results. One such story is that of Gilbert Hopkins Forest whose 1914-18 British War
Delivering Newspapers for W H Smith
June 20, 2023
Delivering Newspapers for W H Smith My friend Chris advised me that he was leaving WHS and asked if I wanted a job. I certainly did! The hours were 7-8 a.m. Monday to Saturday and the Education Committee issued a card stating when I was allowed work and for how long. Chris was with me
Archive Antics No 2
June 20, 2023
Archive Antics No 2 (An article from our Newsletter in June 2023 by our Archivist) It’s like a reoccurring nightmare. Deadline day for the Newsletter has arrived, but fortunately I have something for you. Not entirely about Royal Leamington Spa but there are connections. I was aimlessly wandering through the Archive. Sorry, that is
Archive (Automotive) Antics No 1
April 2, 2023
I was wondering, lonely as a cloud, through the Archive the other day and was thinking about the Blue Plaque that was put up in September 2023 to William Munger Heynes. William Munger Heynes was a man who was instrumental in the design, performance and production of so much of Jaguar’s successful days after WW2.
A Commonwealth Trail around Leamington Spa
June 10, 2022
Our new Free Town Trail is based on a Commonwealth Theme to echo the Games this summer. It will be a free guided walk around Central Leamington to learn more about the town’s past connections with the Commonwealth. The walk will visit around ten locations including the Royal Pump Room, the Town Hall, Imperial House
Derek Billings, A Tribute
January 24, 2022
Derek was a long-time member of the Leamington History Group who sadly passed away in July 2021. He was always keen to contribute to the activities of the Group and he was particularly noted for his collection of items relating to the history of the town and his huge collection of photographs. He was a
Henry Fedeski, Architect
January 19, 2022
Henry Michael Fedeski, FRIBA, Dip.T.P, AMTPI, 1907 – 1993 Henry Fedeski was born on Friday, 6th December 1907 at 28 Clarendon Street (now Road), Aston, Birmingham. His father was also named Henry and his mother was Mildred Mary. Our subject Henry, was one of five children; he had one brother and three sisters and his
