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Number 69 November 2014

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The Regiment, known as ThePoachers, are a Light RoleInfantry Battalion that recruitsfrom Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire,Leicestershire, Lincolnshire,Northamptonshire and Rutland.Being The Mascot for the 2nd

Battalion is a highly honouredrole, and is required to wear theoutfit of a typical poacher,complete with a fresh hare whenon ceremonial parade.

Jeff Lewitt, Jean And Mick Ayres,David and Rita Johnson, and theGild Master, Lynn Roffee outsidethe Town Hall before the home-coming parade of the 2nd Battal-ion of the Royal Anglian regiment

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Patron: Colonel Robert Martin OBE DLPresident: The Lord Mayor of Leicester

OFFICERS 2014 - 2015Master: L.A. Roffee

Deputy Master: M.E. AyresClerk: M.B. Hill

Chamberlain: A. Marriott

WARDENSN. Cave, A. Chettle, L. Kirk,J.D. Lewitt, B.W. Mudford.

Number 69 November 2014

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GILDHALL NEWSNovember 2014

Contents

Editor’s comments 5

Report by Lynn Roffee, Master of the Gild 5

Report by Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies 7

Chamberlain’s report by Andy Marriott 8

Report on the FEW by Michael Ayres 10

WW1 Event held at the Holt 12

Future programme - dates for your diary

Sunday 9th November, Remembrance Day Service at Victoria Park

Friday 19th December, Puss in Boots at the Little Theatre 14

Saturday 6th December, Children’s Christmas Party 14

Friday 20th February 2015, Skittles Night at the Coach & Horses 15

Wednesday 15th April 2015, Common Hall (AGM) at Leicester Town Hall

Saturday 6th June 2015, Annual Gild Banquet at Devonshire Place

Sunday 7th June 2015, Annual Freemen’s Service at the Leicester Cathedral

Contributions to the Gildhall News

The History of the Freemen of Leicester - part 12 by John Tolton 15

For Amusement OnlyEasy, Intermediate and Hard Sudoku puzzles 19

The Law 21

Have you changed your address? 22

Forms included with the Newsletter

Booking form for Children’s Christmas Party

Booking form for Long-alley Skittles Night

Standing Order form for annual Gild subscriptions

Application for Membership & Associate Membership of the Gild

Gild products order form

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Editor’s CommentsAs I am writing these comments, Halloween is just aroundthe corner and Bonfire night will soon be upon us. If youare thinking about Christmas presents then a Gild scarf forthe ladies and a set of cufff-links for the gentlemen couldbe a good start. Don’t forget the Gild have specialLeicester Freemen Christmas cards also available. See thefull list of Gild products on the order form.

We are trying something new this month, Sudoku puzzlesof varying degree of hardness, see page 19. Let me know

if you like them and would like them to be repeated. If you have a story thatwould be of interest to other members, please put pen to paper, or finger toe-mail. We don’t need a book, only a short article, possibly one or two pageslong. It could be longer if it’s enthralling!! Preferably I would like to receivethem as an attachment to an e-mail if possible, but pen and ink is acceptable.

Brian Mudford

Report by Lynn Roffee, Master of the GildSince my last report, the number of events the Gildattends during the year has quietened down. The GildCourt remains active in planning events for the remainderof the Court year as well as planning for Common Halland the Annual Banquet next year. The Banquet, which isto be held on 6th June 2015, will be held at our usualvenue, Devonshire Place. Please put the date in yourdiary now! It would be nice to see more Freemen at thisevent and the Gild Court looks forward to welcoming you.

The Gild was invited to attend the Memorial Service to mark the Centenary ofthe Beginning of the First World War, on 3rd August, at Leicester Cathedral.This was a joint event that was organised by the City and County Council, TheLord Lieutenant of Leicestershire and Leicester Cathedral.

The focus of the service was not primarily on remembrance but on the shift inpeople’s minds and hearts, as the potential scale of the conflict started tobecome apparent.

On the 8th August a large contingent from Leicester attended the CoventryGilds Fish and Chip supper with a variety of Skittle games. Despite a very wetevening everyone had a good time.

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On the 5th and 9th August the World War One events were held at the Holt.From the comments that were received, and from the comments written inthe visitor’s book and the emails received, it seems that those peopleattending enjoyed both days. Some people attended on both days. Whilst itwas a project – with a start and end date, work will continue albeit at aslower pace. So if you come across any photos/medals/information etc. ofancestors who served during WW1, and were Freemen or from Freemenfamilies please do let me know and we will add to the list of names. I havealready been asked when I am starting WW2! Any volunteers to help?

The 3rd-5th October saw a small group from Leicester attend the AnnualFreemen and Guilds of the City of Chester Banquet weekend. The Banquetwas held in the newly renovated Town Hall and it is a splendid building. It wasofficially opened on 15th October 1897 by the HRH The Prince of Wales (thefuture Edward VII). Brian and I had our friend, Denise Howkins from Australia,staying with us at the time, so it was a timely and unique opportunity for herto meet a number of Freemen from across the country by attending theweekend with us.

The Gild has received an invitation from The Right Worshipful the Lord Mayorof Leicester, Councillor John Thomas, to attend the Remembrance DayService and Parade which takes place at the War Memorial, Victoria Park onSunday 9th November 2014. Members of the Gild will be processing in theirrobes and I shall be laying a wreath on behalf of the Gild.

I mentioned in the last Gildhall News about Freemen getting in touch with meif they had ideas/ suggestion about activities/events and/or wanted to getmore involved with the running of the Gild. Sadly, no one has been in touchand I know that Brian Mudford has previously made appeals of a similarnature. So again, I am appealing for your views, ideas and support. Your GildCourt will continue to arrange a variety of events and would appreciate yourcontinued support by attending these events.

Some time ago I had a conversation with a few Freemen who were interestedin arranging a WW1 Battlefield tour. Brian and I have now been liaising withanother interested party to take a small group on, the 26-29th April 2015, tothe Ypres Salient. The price is approx. £270.00 per person. This includesreturn coach to Leicester and three nights’ accommodation at a Best WesternHotel. The trip will include visiting museums, cemeteries and other places ofinterest in the local area. Final arrangements are still to be made and we hope

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to have the information out shortly. It will be on a first come first servedbasis.

A Making Free Ceremony is being planned by the Civic Office for early in theNew Year. As these ceremonies are likely to only be held once a year, if youhave family members wishing to take their Freedom they should contact theCivic Office ASAP.

It seems too early to be wishing you all “Seasons Greetings” at this time, butthe next edition of GHN is not published until February. So I wish you all aMerry Christmas and a very Happy New Year! Stay safe and keep warm.

Lynn Roffee

Report by Chairman of the Board - Brian MudfordI would like to make a plea to the younger Freemenout there. Your Board members are getting noyounger and we need new blood to add to theexperience required on the Board to continue to runthe Charity effectively. Do you have a few hours amonth available, normally on a Monday eveningimmediately preceding the first Wednesday in themonth? Please give it serious thought, we need you.For more information please contact Lynda Bramleyin the office on 0116 283 4017

There are both standard and extended bungalows that will become availableduring the next few months. If you are interested in viewing a bungalow orare thinking of a possible move to Freemen’s Holt for either yourself or afamily member please contact Lynda Bramley in the office on 0116 283 4017.Photographs of the bungalows are available on the website together withfloor plans with dimensions of the rooms. Go to www.leicesterfreemen.comand either click on the link on the home page or select the “Freemen’s Holt”page for more details. You may also request an application form via the officeon the above telephone number or via email fromleicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net

On 17th August the Chairman’s Trophy was held at Freemen’s Holt. This is apatio garden competition to recognise the gardening achievements of theresidents. They participate in this annual celebration with prizes available for

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the best front garden, back garden, hanging basket, patio tub and allotment.The Chairman’s Trophy is awarded to the best overall display for both frontand back patio gardens and everyone enjoys a barbecue afterwards. I waspleased to welcome the Lord Mayor, Councillor John Thomas, and his ConsortMrs. Margaret Corley to Freemen’s Holt. The Lord Mayor was presented witha cheque for £200 from the Board of Deputies for the Lord Mayor’s Charity.

Jeff Lewitt was the winner of the Chairman’s Trophy for 2014. See photographon front cover showing Jeff and Christine’s front garden, and inside back covershowing Christine and Jeff receiving the Chairman’s Trophy.

Congratulations go to all our residents for their flower displays which havebeen a picture again this year. It makes the walk around the estate a realtreat. Some photographs of the patio gardens and winners of variouscategories for the Chairman’s Trophy can be viewed on our website atwww.leicesterfreemen.com

We have a schedule of entertainment planned through the winter withFreemen’s Flicks showing popular films alternating with Freemen’s Funtimewhich is a mixture of activities including a quiz, word games, bingo and araffle. The emphasis is on fun with small prizes for the winners but everyoneenjoys these afternoons which are held on Wednesday afternoons from 2 pmto around 4 pm in the community centre. Everyone is welcome to attend justcall the office for more information or check the website for details.

Southfields Brass Band is booked for the evening of Monday 15th December. Ifyou would like to hear some Christmas carols you are invited to come toFreemen’s Holt for around 7.30 pm to start getting into the Christmas spirit.

There is a Making Free ceremony scheduled for January 2015 so, if you’rethinking of applying for your Freedom of the City then get your application inquickly otherwise it could be a year before your big day comes around.

Don’t forget that there is the option to receive your Gildhall News as a printedcopy if you would prefer or don’t have access to the internet. Again pleasecontact Lynda on 0116 283 4017 or emailleicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net to make your request.

And finally I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very merryChristmas and a happy New Year.

Brian Mudford

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Chamberlain’s Report by Andy MarriottForeword

The information contained in this report is a snap shot of the Gilds Accounts. Itis my continued intention to provide a report for each of the Gild’s quarterlymeeting’s using this format whilst also supplying the accounts books for viewingby any gild member on request. I would also welcome feedback on this formatand suggestions of any changes or additions members and wardens would finduseful.

Membership Arrears

There are still a large number of Gild members who have still not paid for thisyear’s membership and I would like to ask you all too please submit yourmembership fee’s as a matter of urgency.

Gild Products

Christmas is just a few months away and I’d like to remind you to take a look atthe Gild products currently on sale as these would make ideal stocking fillers forboth him and her as well as our wonderful selection of Christmas cards whichwould make a delightful addition to any ones mantelpiece this Christmas.

Gild Accounts Book

The Gilds Accounts Book as of Sunday 12th October 2014 has the following figuresrecorded

Receipts £ 3,800.50

Standing Orders £ 888.50

Payments £ 4,445.22

Petty Cash £ 189.45

Other Business

The Gild’s bank account has now been confirmed as being with Lloyds Bankand all paperwork around the change of signatories has been submitted toLloyds Bank and we are now awaiting confirmation of change of details. In theinterim banking of monies can still be completed and the signing of GildCheques can be completed by the previous signatory which will still enablethe Gild to complete any business transactions as and when required. Thisconcludes my report

Andy Marriott

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Report on the FEW (Freemen of England and Wales)by Michael Ayres

This year the Freemen of England and Wales AGM, was hosted by the StaffordFreemen’s Guild and held over the weekend 19th – 21st September. Thecomplete weekend activities were held at the Yarnfield Conference Centre.Jean and I were the only two to represent the Leicester Gild over theweekend.

Friday 19th began with Registration at 4:30 pm for delegates who had bookedfor weekend. The bar opened at 6:00 pm until 1:00 am, with the eveningbuffet served betweent 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm. At 8:15 pm we attended a veryinteresting talk and slideshow by Dr Kevin Leahy on the Staffordshire Hoard.The Staffordshire Hoard was discovered in a Field just off the A1 and near theold Roman Fosse Way, by a gentleman who had purchased a second handmetal detector.

The hoard of Anglo-Saxon treasure contains parts of gold sword handles (butno blades) gold buckles and buttons but no ladies Jewellery, vases or drinkingvessels, and no indication of a camp or settlement being discovered on thesite. (This is a most unusual find dated by the archaeologist to be around 6th

to 7th century. They have no indication on how it came to be buried there.)The Hoard is valued at £3 million and is open for the public to view atBirmingham City Museum. On the conclusion of this most informative talk,we retired to the bar to be entertained with music and songs performed bythe Loveheart Billionaires.

Saturday 20th after breakfast at 9:15 am a morning visit was arranged toTrentham Gardens for the delegates not attending the AGM.

The Open Forum began at 9:50 am with discussion by one or two of theGuilds querying if they may be able to change their constitution to revive thelost tradition of creating Apprentice Freemen. This could be possible if thelocal council and the Freemen were to revive their old constitution.(Unfortunately this does not apply to the Freemen of Leicester)

The discussions continued with Tom Gibson a Freemen of York explaining theproblems they had encountered with the York City Council on the ownershipof the York Stays. (Common land inherited by the Freemen of York) TheCouncil claimed ownership of the land under the new land registration rules.The Council and York Freemen have now resolved the problem; it was pointed

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out that Freemen should keep a careful eye on their lands and capitalinvestments. The open forum ended with a coffee break at 10:30 am.

The AGM opened at 10:45 am with the election of the Executive Committee.There was no change to the Committee from last year, with some of thecommittee members now having to hold two offices. This is quite concerningto the FEW as no young Freemen are coming forward to join or to hold officeon the committee.

A number of the delegates attending said they are having the same problemof recruiting young Freemen to join their Guild and take an interest inactivities. (A member made the point that if the problem did not change theFreemen would cease to exist in future years.) The full report on the AGM willbe published in the FEW journal no 179.

After a buffet lunch at 1:00 pm we boarded our coach for a visit toShugborough Hall, which is a fine Georgian Mansion and is the ancestralhome of the Earls of Lichfield. This is a working historical estate, and stillretains its working servant’s quarters.

Saturday evening at 7:30 pm we were entertain by Cheryl York playing theguitar before the four course Banquet at 8:00 pm, with the toasts andspeech’s completed the banquet concluded at 10 15 pm. After the banquetwe were entertain in the bar by The Deacons playing drums and accompaniedwith a base guitar.

Sunday 21st. We travelled by our own transport to Stafford Borough CouncilOffices for tea, coffee and biscuits, before changing into our robe’s for theprocession to the Stafford Guild church, St Mary’s Collegiate Church. After theservice we processed back to the Council Offices for a buffet lunch hosted bythe Worshipful the Mayor of Stafford, Borough Councillor RaymondSutherland.

After lunch and farewell speeches, the Master of Stafford Guild John Edwardshanded the FEW Baton to the Master of the Berwick Guild of Freemen,Captain James Evans in preparation for the 2015 AGM to be held in Berwick.

Michael Ayres

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WW1 Event held at The Holt

The 14 plus months of research followed by the preparation for the 5th and 9th

August exhibition all seems a long time ago. Researching is one thing but toactually hold an exhibition is another. It has been a journey of discovery on somany levels and has provided me with not only a deeper insight into WW1, butalso to learn about individual men (Leicester Freemen and those that hadn’ttaken their freedom) that served their Country.

The superb display board, created, designed and produced by The ArtDepartment, and was provided by Bryan Ayres, a Freemen, who owns thecompany. The display showed some of the research that has been undertaken.See the photograph of the display board inside the rear cover. All of theinformation found has been retained by the Charity for posterity. Bryan wasable to pop in on the Saturday afternoon have look around and meet people.The Board of Deputies have agreed with Bryan for his Company to store thedisplay boards which will be brought out for approved events which includesMilitary Dinners etc.

No exhibition is complete without items for people to view, and we were verygrateful for the loan of memorabilia that Freemen’s families allowed us to display.The highlight has to be the field desk, chair and uniform of Lt Col R E Martinwhich was kindly loaned by Col Robert Martin, who also opened the exhibition.Looking after family heirlooms is important and Keith Harding and Peter Stainesensured that all the items were not touched. Keith and Peter also played keyroles in setting up and the dismantling of the tents and car parking signage.

For those of you that didn’t attend either event, you missed some interestingtalks as well as seeing a variety of military items that Andy Ball from the WW1Section, of the Tommy Atkins Society brought along. Thanks go to Andy forproviding such a good display of items that changed over both days, and he alsotook time off work to attend. The Gild also shared the tent with Andy, and LornaKirk looked after the stall selling Gild products on both days, with Andy Marriotthelping on the Saturday.

The Leicestershire & Rutland Branch of the Western Front Association, alsoplayed a key role – Dr John Sutton, Chairman gave two different talks, whilstRoy Birch gave both Exhortation’s. Jim Manship had listened to a talk and cameup with a poem by the end of it, which he was asked to recite to the audience.Well done Jim! Peter Cousins, Chairman of the Leicestershire & Rutland FamilyHistory Society, also gave two talks.

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On the Tuesday, we were treated to a truly moving and well played Last Post,played by the Grandson of Peter Staines, whilst on the Saturday we had a Piperfrom the Seaforth Highlanders Band. It was important that the youth of todaywere involved in the event in some way.

I was grateful for the support of Lt. Kay Adey, from Leicester T.S. Tiger whobrought along several Sea Cadets who helped out with car parking and otherduties on both days. Kay just got stuck in organising the cadets, making tea/coffee, washing up and looking after me by ensuring I was fed and watered onboth days.

The 1461 Squadron Wigston ATC Cadets and staff a helped with the car parking,making tea/coffee and washing up on the Saturday. The Cadets generally helpedthrough both days.

The Cadets from both services looked smart, were polite, and said they hadlearnt a lot and had enjoyed themselves.

The caterer, Phil Wood, had researched the type of food that families wouldhave had during WW1, and we still seem to have the same type of food today.The buffet was excellent!

They say one good turn deserves another. On 16th August the Leicester NorthSea Cadets undertook a sponsored Row Leicester Voyage to raise funds for theLord Mayors Appeal. Some of the residents at The Holt not only sponsored theCadets but also went to Aylestone Lock to wave them off from the start, whilstothers waved and cheered them on when the cadets passed The Holt. Kayemailed to say thank you for the support.

On the Saturday, Philippa McCray came along and spoke briefly about her FirstWorld War Centenary Quilt Project. The aim is to produce a quilt made up ofsquares embroidered with the names of ancestors, or those in local communities,who gave their lives. People are invited to contribute to the project by stitchinga square/s with the names/s of the people you wish to commemorate. Packsare supplied for a minimum donation of £3.50 which includes p & p.

One can only wonder what the men, whom we were there to remember, wouldhave thought about the event. I’m sure they would never have imagined almosta 100 years later that we would be remembering them in this way.

There are a lot of people, too many to name, who contributed in so many waysto making both days such a success. Thank you to you all!

Lynn Roffee

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Programme of Future EventsVisit to the Little Theatre , Dover Street, Leicester

to see Puss in Boots on19th December 2014

starting at 7 pm.Unfortunately we have no tickets available. Any spare tickets had to be returnedto the theatre by 1st November. If further tickets are required then interestedparties should contact the Little Theatre direct on 0116 255 1302

Children’s Christmas PartySaturday 6th December 2014. 4 00 pm - 6 00 pm

at Varney’s Fun Factory

This year the Gild will again be holding a Children’s Christmas party after overtwenty five years of absence. The party will be for Children between the agesof 3 years old and up to 7 years old. (This is because of the size of the bouncycastle and climbing equipment.)

The party is open to all Children at £3 00 per Child, whose parents orGrandparents are members of the Gild. The cost will include the use of all theequipment in the fun house, a visit from Santa. Hot buffet served with chickennuggets, pizza, fish fingers and chips. With drinks of blackcurrant and orangecordial included.

The staff at the fun house have all been CRB checked. The Gild cannot beresponsible for safety of the children during the party and we request that anadult stays and supervise their own children during the two hours that theparty is in progress.

There is a cafe on the premises serving serving tea coffee and snacks for theadults to sit and have a chat while the children play.

The Party will be held atSHANE VARNEY’S FUN HOUSE, SAFFRON ROAD SOUTH WIGSTONLEICESTER LE18 4TD.(If you do not know South Wigston the Fun House is near St ThomasChurch). For further information about the party, contact MichaelAyres on 0116 2242353.

Michael Ayres

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Long-alley Skittles NightFriday 20th February 2014, arriving at 7.00pm

Coach & Horses, Field Head, Markfield LE67 9RFOur Long-alley Skittles Night is again being held at The Coach and Horses, anEverards pub on the A50. Traditional skittles food will be served, there is aselection: Faggots, chips and peas, Steak & Ale Pie, chips and peas, and aVegetable Lasagne, mixed salad and chips. Please indicate your selection onthe booking form. The evening will be very relaxed as usual, there is amaximum capacity of 45, so don’t miss out and book without delay. The costis only £8.00 each.

Brian Mudford

Contributions to the Gildhall News*****************************

History of Freemen – Part 12,

The Seige of LeicesterIn May of 1645 Leicester became a focal point in the Civil War between OliverCromwell and Charles I. A large Royalist army was marching to the North ofEngland with the intention of regaining some ground there when news reachedthem that that the Parliamentary Army lead by Sir Thomas Fairfax was besiegingthe Royalist stronghold of Oxford. At this news the King and Prince Rupertdecided to attack the Parliamentary stronghold of Leicester with a view to luringFairfax away from Oxford. Why Leicester? Well, an attack on Leicester wouldhave great strategic advantages for the King. Leicester lay in the heart of thecountry with direct links to the Royalist towns of Newark and Ashby. The Kingalso had received intelligence that the Town was poorly defended and that themembers of the Corporation lacked any military experience.

So by the end of May Leicester was in a poor state of readiness for any attack bythe Royalists. Few houses in the suburbs had been demolished to give a clearfield of fire for the defenders; even though an order had been given for theflattening of houses in areas around the town few house owners had obeyedthe order. To make matters worse there were only nine pieces of ordnance toprovide artillery fire. The Corporation made an appeal to the neighbouring townsof Derby, Nottingham, Northampton and Coventry for assistance but the onlyreinforcements came from the Scottish Army, dispatching several hundred of

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their cavalry to Leicester. Most of the recruiting came a small contingent of 150men from the county who volunteered. With such a small contingent the defenseof Leicester didn’t stand much of a chance against a Royalist army of over 10,000well armed soldiers.

Fortunately, The defending army had the benefit of three experienced soldiersof Cromwell’s Model Army commanding the town’s defenses in the guise ofColonels Pye and Grey along with Major Innes and his 200 horse who camefrom Newport Pagnell, giving a total of 2000 defenders, mainly consisting ofinexperienced civilians.

On the night of May 29, the Royalists were still travelling towards Leicester,burning down several windmills and one water mill on their journey. The nextday at about 8 o’clock, Prince Rupert and his army pitched their tents towardsthe south side of the town, while the king took up his headquarters in the vicarageof Aylestone. Six great artillery pieces were set in a strong dry ditch known asthe Raw Dyke, an ancient Roman aqueduct still in existence today near thefootball stadium. At 1 o’clock Prince Rupert fired two cannon shots into Leicesterbefore sending a messenger to ask for the surrender of the defenders.

The town council met in the Mayor’s Parlour in the Town Hall (the Guildhall) butafter two hours could not reach a decision. They sent a messenger to PrinceRupert asking if they could give an answer the following day, and that in themeantime the Prince should not raise anymore batteries. Prince Rupert couldclearly see that the town was reinforcing their defenses and that the requestwas a delaying tactic and angrily sent the messenger back warning him that ifhe returned he would put him in the stocks. Unfortunately for the messengerthe Council sent him back still requesting further time. The messenger wasnever seen again. Prince Rupert sent a message demanding an answer within15 minutes and while the Council members were debating their response cannonballs came crashing down on the area around castle. The siege had begun.

The Royalist battery was set up facing the stone wall of the Newarke anddefenders retaliated with cannon and musket fire as fast as they could and hadsome success putting out of action one Royalist cannon. But by 6 o’clock in theevening a breach had been made in the wall of the Newarke facing Mill Lane.An assault on the town began at midnight with Royalist soldiers storming intoLeicester at seven different places. The bulk of the army attacked through thebreach in the wall in Mill Lane and the remainder using scaling ladders aroundthe walls of the town. There was fierce fighting with many Royalsts dying in theattack and the first two attempts at the Newarke repulsed. The Royalists hadmore success along the east and north walls of the town, eventually storming

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into Leicester and tearingdown the town gates.Soldiers and town menfought side by side in fiercehand to hand encounters inthe streets of Leicesterlosing ground until theyfinally threw down theirweapons by St Martin’sChurchyard.

After the surrender thenastiness really began.Skirmishes continuedthroughout the town andthe Royalists showed nomercy to the inhabitants.Not just the men folk, butwomen and children wereput to death by the King’ssoldiers. Leicester becamea den of robbery, rape,wanton destruction, murder,pillage and outrage. Royalistsoldiers who enteredLeicester that day seized thecontents of shops, as well ascannons, muskets, horses

and gunpowder. Some of the town Committee members were hanged whileothers were cut to pieces. The King rode through the town and is reputed tohave said, “I do not care if they cut them three times more, for they are mineenemies.”

As dawn broke on the day following the siege of Leicester, the noise and smokerising up from town gave way to appalling sights and sounds. There were thequiet sobs of the raped and the hysterical screams of the widowed, while thewounded lay dying in the streets. However, the cries and groans of the defeatedwere drowned out by the drunken songs of the victors. It is recorded that 140cartloads of goods were confiscated from Leicester shops. Nine pieces ofordnance, 1,000 muskets, 50 barrels of gunpowder and 400 horses were alsocaptured. The King stayed the night in Cavendish House (in Abbey Park) and

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added salt to our wounds by demanding £2000 from Leicester’s Mayor asrecompense for his losses.

Lord-General Fairfax was ordered by Parliament to abandon his siege of Oxfordand march to the Midlands and recapture Leicester. But in the meantime theRoyalist army that remained in Leicester was given the task of refortifying thetown and making it safe from reprisals by the Roundheads. The King left Leicesterto march south but before he left he destroyed Cavendish House and left it inthe state it is today. On the way south he stopped at Market Harborough toreinforce his army and then proceeded to Daventry. On Friday 13th June thearmy led by the King and Prince Rupert re-entered Market Harborough and thatnight heard the news that the Model Army of Fairfax had captured the town ofNaesby from the Royalists. King Charles decided to meet Fairfax’s army headon and the rest, as they say, is history.

The Royalists were outnumbered 9,000 to 14,000. After fierce combat andhundreds of Royalist losses, the routed King’s men began to flee the battlefield.After some ebb and flow of the battle the King and Prince Rupert eventuallyfled and spent the night at Wistow Hall, but the Royalists still held Leicester.

On Monday 16th June the Parliamentarians surrounded Leicester and Fairfaxsent a “surrender” demand to the town. The Royalists would not back down,though: They were armed and waiting. So on Tuesday, June 17, Fairfax raised abattery of cannon on the Raw Dykes, just as Prince Rupert had done in theprevious month and proceeded to bombard Leicester. Before the morning wasout the wall had been breached and the Royalists surrendered, although theformal signing of the surrender took place on June 19th 1645. The siege ofLeicester was over.

John Tolton

Extract from “The Leicestershire Chronical & Leicestershire Mercury”

Saturday August 15, 1914

At a meeting of the Leicester Freemen’s Deputies on Wednesday evening itwas unanimously agreed to offer the military authorities the use of the largemeadow on the Aylestone Road for any purpose thought fit”

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Sudoku puzzles

Test your mental agility with ourthree puzzles.

Each row, column and 3x3 boxmust contain all the numbers

1 to 9

The answers can be foundon the next page.

Don’t cheat, wait until youhave had a go at completing

all three puzzles

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Answers to the Sudokupuzzles

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The LawThese are from a book called Disorder in the Courts and arethings people actually said in court, word for word, takendown and published by court reporters that had the tormentof staying calm while the exchanges were taking place.

LAWYER: What was the first thing your husband said to you that morning?WITNESS: He said, ‘Where am I, Cathy?’LAWYER: And why did that upset you?WITNESS: My name is Susan!____________________________________________LAWYER: What gear were you in at the moment of the impact?WITNESS: Gucci sweats and Reeboks.____________________________________________LAWYER: What is your date of birth?WITNESS: July 18th.LAWYER: What year?WITNESS: Every year.____________________________________________LAWYER How old is your son, the one living with you?WITNESS: Thirty-eight or thirty-five, I can’t remember which.LAWYER: How long has he lived with you?WITNESS: Forty-five years.____________________________________________LAWYER: This myasthenia gravis, does it affect your memory at all?WITNESS: Yes.LAWYER: And in what ways does it affect your memory?WITNESS: I forget..LAWYER: You forget? Can you give us an example of something you forgot?____________________________________________LAWYER: The youngest son, the 20-year-old, how old is he?WITNESS: He’s 20, much like your IQ.____________________________________________LAWYER: She had three children, right?WITNESS: Yes.LAWYER: How many were boys?WITNESS: None.LAWYER: Were there any girls?WITNESS: Your Honor, I think I need a different lawyer

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Have you changed your address ?In the event that is necessary to inform the Gild or the Board of any changein circumstances then the information should be sent to:

Lynda BramleyClerk to the BoardLeicester Freemen’s Estate32 Freemen’s HoltOld Church StreetAylestoneLeicester LE2 8NH

Telephone: 0116 – 283 4017E-mail: leicester.freemen@talktalkbusiness.net

Leicester Freemen web site: www.leicesterfreemen.com

Copy for the next issue should reach the Editorby

Friday 16th January 2015

For your News and Views write to :

Brian Mudford11 Huntsman CloseMarkfieldLeicestershireLE67 9XE

Telephone 01530 245414e-mail: brianmudford@tiscali.co.uk

23

Brian Mudford, Chairman of the Board of Deputies, presenting theChairman’s Trophy to Christine and Jeff Lewitt

The superb WW1 display board, created, designed and produced by TheArt Department, and was provided by Bryan Ayres, a Leicester Freemen.

A photograph of those whoattended the Gild visit to the

Rolls Royce Heritage Trust inDerby on 30th September 2014

Jet engines and Rolls Royceveteran cars were among theexhibits viewed on the day.

If you look closely at the caron the right you will see Janet

Lount, a Lady Freemanbehind the wheel.

BOOKING FORM

Children’s Christmas PartySaturday 6th December 2014. 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

@ Varney’s Fun Factory

Please reserve………. children’s places at £3.00 each

I will be responsible for my own Child or Children during the party

To be signed by the Adult attending the party.................................................

My name is........................................................................................................

Child’s or Children’s name(s) attending party..................................................

............................................

.............................................

My address is…....………………….....…………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………….

Postcode……………………….Telephone…………………………….

e-mail address........................................................................................

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £……………..,

made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen”.

Please send to:

Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776

Applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first served basis.

We are limited to the number of Children that can use the equipment at onetime.

Please reserve ………. places at £8.00 each

Food selection: Faggots______Steak pie________Lasagne________

My name is.........……………………………………...……………………………….

My address is………………………………….....…………………………………….

………………………………………………………………………….

Postcode……………………….Telephone…………………………….

e-mail address.....................................................................................................

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £…………….., made payable to “Gild ofLeicester Freemen”.

Please send to:

Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776

Applications will be dealt with on a first-come, first-served basis

BOOKING FORM

Long-alley Skittles Night at the Coach & Horses @ 7pmFriday 20th February 2015

RENEWAL OF GILD MEMBERSHIPFOR THE YEAR 1ST APRIL 2014 - 31ST MARCH 2015

I would like to pay the annual subscription for my membership/associatemembership of the Gild for the year commencing 1st April 2014

Membership .............at £9.00 = £.............

Associate Membership ..............at £6.00 = £.............

My name is (BLOCK CAPITALS)....................................................

My address is (BLOCK CAPITALS)

.........................................................................................................

.........................................................................................................

Post code...........................Telephone.............................................

e-mail address.................................................................................

I enclose a cheque/postal order for £...................

made payable to “Gild of Leicester Freemen”

Please post to:

Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ.

Any queries, please phone Andy on 0116 2442776

PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO PAY YOUR ANNUALSUBSCRIPTION BY STANDING ORDER, PLEASE SEE OVERPAGE.

GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN

(Kindly complete where marked by all dotted lines)

To:Andy Marriott,10 Goldhill,LeicesterLE2 6TQ

Date………………………………..20.…..

I, ………………………………………………..agree to pay my AnnualSubscription to the GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN on 1st April eachyear by means of the signed Standing Order that I have sent to my bank.

I understand that the annual subscriptions at present are £9.00 for a fullmember and £6.00 for an associate member, and that I can stop or amendthis Standing Order simply by giving instructions to my bank.

Signature……………………………………………………….

Address…………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………

Post code……………………………………………….

e-mail address...................................................................

STANDING ORDER - PLEASE SEND TO YOUR BANK MANAGER

To:

The Manager…………………………………………..Bank Plc

Address ……....…………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………...

………………………………………………...........

Postcode……………………………………………

Please pay to:-Lloyds Bank Plc,Old Market Square Branch,Nottingham NG1 6FD(Bank Sort Code 30-96-18)

For the account of the Gild of Leicester Freemen

(Account No. 01409164) the sum of £……………….

Commencing on 1st April 20.…, and yearly thereafter until further notice.

Kindly make the payment with reference

…………………………………(my surname and initial).

Name of account to be debited....……………………………..…..

Account No.........………………………………………………….

Signature…………………………………………………………

Date ………………………………………………….20.….

Address .………………………………………………………….

.........…………………………………………………….

..………………………………………………………….

Postcode………………………………………………....

GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTER

APPLICATION FOR FULL MEMBERSHIP

Full Name______________________________________________(BLOCK LETTERS)Address_____________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________

Post Code ________________Tel No. _______________________

e-mail address__________________________________________I am a duly sworn Freeman of the City of Leicester and apply to be enrolled as aMember of the Gild of Freemen, for which I enclose the sum of £10.00(Enrolment fee of £1.00 plus the first annual subscription of £9.00).

Signature Date

APPLICATION FOR ASSOCIATE MEMBERSHIP

Full Name______________________________________________(BLOCK LETTERS)Address ___________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Post Code __________________Tel No. ____________________

e-mail address__________________________________________

I certify that I am the SPOUSE / WIDOW / WIDOWER / SON / DAUGHTER /GRANDCHILD aged 18 years or over (please delete where necessary) of

Mr. / Mrs./ Ms. _____________________________________(Freeman ofLeicester)Or

I am a full member of the Guild of Freemen of_________________(City or Town)I apply to be enrolled as an Associate Member of the Gild, for which I enclose thesum of £7.00 (Enrolment Fee of £1.00 plus the first Annual Subscription of £6.00)

Signature___________________________________________Date_____________

Please make cheques payable to ‘Gild of Leicester Freemen’ and send with thisapplication to:

Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ. Tel: 0116 2442776

THE GILD OF FREEMEN OF THE CITY OF LEICESTERGILD PRODUCTS ORDER FORM1. Tie - navy ………at £10.00 each = £………….

- maroon ………at £10.00 each = £………….- green ………at £10.00 each = £………….- two ties (state colours) ...……at £19.00 two = £………….- three ties …...…at £27.50 three = £………….

2. Gild scarf ...........at £15.00 each = £................3. Key-ring ………at £5.00 each = £………….4. Lapel badge ………at £2.50 each = £………….5. Cufflinks ..........at £16.00 each = £………….6. Gild pens - new design ………at £3.00 each = £………….7. Arm badge - framed …...…at £55.00 each = £………….

- unframed .....….at £20.00 each = £………….8. Blazer badge .........at £13.50 each =£..............9. Wall plaque, wooden …..…at £24.00 each = £………….10. Gown, made to measure, incl. delivery.....price on request = £………….

(Chest ..........ins, height..........ft...........ins).11. Register of Freemen- 1931-85 ………at £4.00 each = £………….

- 1986-96 ………at £3.00 each = £………….12. Christmas cards (reduced price) .......at £2 for pack of 6 = £...............

TOTAL = £………….plus postage

I enclose cheque/postal order for the above total, made payable to: “GILD OF LEICESTER FREEMEN”

NAME……………………………………………………………………………………..

ADDRESS…………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………

POST CODE……………………………

E-MAIL ADDRESS:........................................................................................

Signed……………………………………………………………………………………….

Please post to: Andy Marriott, 10 Goldhill, Leicester LE2 6TQ.Tel: 0116 2442776