GEDDINGTON AS IT WAS

by Monica Rayne

Geddington, as we see it today, is a charming village with a rich historical heritage, but in social and economic terms, it is little more than a very desirable dormitory village for Kettering and Corby.

In the first quarter of the 20th century, it was still largely what it had been for centuries past, a thriving rural community, self-sufficient for many of its services, with many of its inhabitants working in or around the village. Local historian, Monica Rayne, in her book, “Geddington As It Was”, endeavoured to recapture something of the flavour of those times.

Drawing heavily upon the recollections of older residents, parish records and the local press, Monica created a fascinating picture of that period, conjuring up a very different world which seems much more than just a century ago. With chapters covering all aspects of village life, agriculture, industry, education, shops, pubs and clubs, housing and local customs, this book has an attraction for newcomers to Geddington as much as to long-established residents.

It is packed with wonderful details and anecdotes, making it a lively read as well as an invaluable record of a bygone age. Simply taken as a piece of research into social history, it is outstanding. As Monica put it, the book records “some of the things that have shaped the village as we know it today”. The book was published in a limited edition and the author donated all the proceeds to the Samuel Lee Charity, established in the village in 1717.

A limited number of copies remain available, still at the original price of £8.50. They may be purchased at the Village Post Office or from Paul Hopkins, Quaker Cottage, 9, Grafton Road, Geddington, Kettering, NN14 1AJ. (Add £1.50 for post and packing). Cheques payable to The Samuel Lee Charity.