Clipston History

Extract from ‘Clipston by Ethel Lucie Fisher’, published 1926

The village has many traditions, and is certainly of very ancient origin. King John is said to have had a palace here, and it is also told by the same authority, Benjamin Pitts Capper, in his book published 1812, o'there was formerly a park here, eight miles in circumference, famous for its oak." Possibly the palace was merely a hunting lodge, and it is said to have stood in the Alleys allotment, where many old stones, and a Saxon mill, have been found.

On the village green was a market cross, which was removed about fifty years ago; also the stocks. These were broken up by the late Mr. John Wartnaby.

The Pound, a walled-in enclosure, was at the bottom of the Girls' School playground. The village constable had a right to impound all animals found straying, which were released on the o'wner paying £1.

The Workhouse.  In 1826 there is a record for the purchase of a cottage and garden for f30 out of the public funds to be used as a workhouse for employing and lodging the poor of Clipston. In 1833, a cottage built by George Palmer, on Nether Green was purchased for £20 out of the public money to be used as a workhouse. In 1834, the Poor Law Amendment Act was passed; the Market Harborough Union taking over the- duty of employing and lodging the poor.

A Fair was held annually; it was called "The Statice," and held in October or about Michaelmas. All the farm hands, men, boys and servant girls were given l/- and hired for twelve months. The men and boys stood in one long line; the women and girls in another line. The masters would then choose their servants, who were hired, until the next "Statice." Later the custom died out, and the "Statice" became a village holiday.

(We will add to the history of Clipston shortly).

 
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