Bilton Historical Society

Our Group's Beginnings

Bilton Historical Society was founded in 1996 and after discussion with Kevin cale, a local archaeologist it was decided there was sufficient local interest to apply for a Local heritage Inititive Grant. A public launch, attended by around 50 people, took place on a Saturday in May 2001 at Bilton Community Centre. Meetings have taken place every Tuesday since except at Christmas, Golden Jubilee weekend and the on the occasion of the funeral of the Queen Mother.

Sadly Summer 2001 was blighted by Foot and Mouth disease and members spent their time researching indoors instead of taking advantage of the warm summer weather as initially planned. By the time it was possible to venture into the open countryside several participants had decided that the desk top research was so absorbing that they did not want to go out. by October 2001 a 1000 desktop records had been compiled.

By winter 2001/2 field work could go ahead. Discoveries included traces of old field systems in the most unlikely places, old roads appeared briefly then disappeared again, modern history of second world war vintage had left its mark, but the most exciting of all were the traces of industry. Woodlands hitherto thought to be natural were found to be anything but as trees were discovered growing on the remains of industrial sites possibly several centuries old. What were these remains? It was known that some were coal pits, many others were obviously quarries but how old were they and where was the stone used? How was it transported? These are just a few of the questions requiring an answer. There is no time to find an answer in Phase I and consequently Phase 2 industry will was started.