The Gretton Local History Society was formed in 1989, and has gradually accumulated a substantial archive of memories, documents and photographs, some of which were used to mount an exhibition in 1994.
We are always pleased to receive anything which is of local interest, memories, photographs, or documents, all of which add to the portrait of Gretton in the past.
Society meetings are held every two months in the village hall with a variety of interesting talks, and outings are arranged in the summer. If you are interested in carrying out research please contact us, as it is a worthwhile and interesting hobby, and we are always grateful for extra help.
The Society publishes the magazine Taking Stock, which highlights particular facets of Gretton village life. Recent editions have concentrated on the village pubs, working life and children in Gretton. The latest edition of the Society's magazine, Taking Stock of Gretton Archives, features many of the interesting items from the Society's archives. It is available from Gretton Post Office at a cost of £3.
Details of all copies of Taking Stock and other publications can be found on our List of Publications page. Copies can be obtained by sending a cheque, payable to "Gretton Local History Society", to Ann Craske at the address below.
If you are interested in joining the Society, annual membership is £5 (£3.50 for concessions). Entrance to meetings is free to members, and £1.50 for non-members.
| Secretary | Speaker Secretary and Archivist | |
| Ann Craske | Elisabeth Jordan | |
| Chantry Cottage | Little Close | |
| 5 High Street | 13 Arnhill Road | |
| Gretton | Gretton | |
| Northants. NN17 3DE | Northants. NN17 3DN | |
| Phone: (01536) 771102 | Phone: (01536) 770478 | |
| E-mail: anncraske@btinternet.com | E-mail: elisabeth.gretton@btinternet.com | |
The Society holds transcripts of the Parish Church registers of Baptisms, Marriages and Burials from 1558 to the 20th century (various dates) in alphabetical order of family name.
The Society also holds transcripts of the Census Returns for 1841, 1851, 1861, 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901, also in alphabetical order of family name.
The inscriptions on burial monuments in both the Parish Church and the Baptist Church burial grounds have been recorded and transferred to computer, and are now available by family name.
The Society is always pleased to be of help, so please get in touch if there is anything else we can offer you. We should also be pleased to receive a copy of the results of your research to add to our archives. Your enquiries and contributions should be directed to Elisabeth Jordan, at the address above.
All meetings are held on Thursdays at 7.30pm in Gretton Village Hall
| 13 March | |
| Last time our speaker came to Gretton he talked about Industrial | |
| Archaeology. This time his subject is Church Iconography, which | |
| should give us a fascinating insight into the images and symbols | |
| we find in our local churches. | |
| 22 May | |
| Our speaker will show slides to illustrate the various types of | |
| memorials which have been raised in the county following a | |
| number of conflicts including the two World Wars. There will be | |
| stories about the wars and the men who fought them. | |
| 17 July | |
| The Vikings came up the River Welland and probably reached | |
| Gretton. Our speaker will give us the general background to this | |
| period as well as some specific details of their time in this area. | |
| 18 September | |
| Our speaker will discuss the various types of Clergy and give | |
| examples of the sorts of houses provided for them from the | |
| Middle Ages onwards. | |
| 20 November | |
| Our speakers tell the story of Dickens' life and the times he lived | |
| in through readings from his novels. It is described as more of an | |
| entertainment than a historical talk, so come along and enjoy | |
| yourself. |
An exhibition was held in July 2003, in Gretton Village Hall, to mark the 125th anniversary of the keying of the last arch of the Welland Viaduct.
A new publications was launched at the exhibition, details of which are given below. To purchase the book please send a cheque payable to "Gretton Local History Society" to Ann Craske at the address above. Please include the charge for postage and packing as detailed below.
A facsimile reprint of the 19th century book
"LIFE & WORK AMONG THE NAVVIES"
by Rev D W Barratt
Provides a first-hand account of navvy life during construction of the Welland Viaduct.
£14.99 Postage & Packing: £1.50
 Gretton - a Northamptonshire Village |
Deene Park |
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| Kettering Civic Society |
Rockingham Castle |
|
| Northamptonshire People and Places |
Welland Viaduct | |
| UK + Ireland Genealogy - Northamptonshire |
Kirby Hall |
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| 1st Gretton Cubs and Scouts Group |
Rutland Water |