Heritage News 19 - South Derbyshire District Council

The library at Repton School is one of the oldest
libraries in the county. Paul Stevens, the new
librarian there, is very enthusiastic about the books
and documents that have come under his care,
and is keen to share some of his findings.
The room that houses the library was the main
room of the school from the mid 16 th to mid 19 th
centuries. It is said to have served as a ‘travel lodge’
for Edward I for several nights in 1291 and,
according to a report in the “Derby Mercury” in
1805, was used for plays and dancing: “The ball
was opened about midnight … and the merry dance
kept up with unabated spirit till four o’ clock.”
•Repton School, seen through the old priory gateway.
- Curiosity Corner -
THE “MARRIAGE ELMS” AT ASH.
At Ash, near Etwall, three
stately elm trees on the main
road near Ash Hall were
known as the “Marriage
Elms”. Their name is
explained as follows:
“It is said that their curious name arises from the fact
that a magistrate who lived at the Hall resented being
called at inconvenient times by couples wishing to be
married. The journey to the church was avoided by
the marriage ceremony being performed on the road
side beneath these three stately elms.”
Another version of the explanation is less polite:
Paul says “I’m very interested in the history of
Repton. Being the librarian gives me a wonderful
opportunity to read contemporary accounts and
documents, and the many books and documents
that the School has amassed over the last 450
years. There is so much to absorb and I’ve been
taking notes since I joined the School, in the hope
that eventually I will be able to publish a miscellany
devoted to the library.”
“The library at Repton is its greatest glory. It is a
Bodleian in miniature, indeed, among the great
libraries of the world, only the Bodleian has ever
given me a similar sensation” (Between the Dog
Kennel and the Appletree by Richard N. Coe, 1992)
WE CAN HELP YOU WITH PUBLICITY
“Heritage News” is published three times a year around April/May (Spring/
Summer issue), August (Autumn issue) and December (Winter issue). It
is circulated to all parish councils / meetings, amenity societies and
historical groups within South Derbyshire, and is also distributed to
libraries and to local press contacts. We are always pleased to advertise
the work of local groups where possible, so please call us with any news
for our next issue. The deadline for inclusion in No. 20 (Autumn 2005) is
Friday 12 th August.
Contacts:
Philip Heath Heritage Officer / tel:01283 595936
Editor of “Heritage News” fax:01283 595850
e-mail: philip.heath@south-derbys.gov.uk
“The magistrates married couples under these trees as
they did not wish to invite them into their homes
because they stank!”
(From “A Brief History of the Manor of Ash” by E. R.
Robinson, July 1970)
Heritage News - 12
Marilyn Hallard Design & Conservation tel: 01283 595747
Officer fax: 01283 595850
e-mail: marilyn.hallard@south-derbys.gov.uk
The postal address is: South Derbyshire District Council,
Civic Offices, Civic Way, Swadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 OAH.
The District Council has a website at www.south-derbys.gov.uk