Project sheds new light on thousands of years of Charnwood Forests history

Leicestershire Victoria County History (VCH) Trust and our University are staging a free and fun heritage festival for the whole family at the picturesque Beaumanor Hall in Woodhouse, Leicestershire on Sunday 21 May to celebrate the history of Charnwood Forest.

The festival, organised by Charnwood Roots, will provide Leicester experts, working with Leicestershire VCH Trust, with the opportunity to discuss the history of Charnwood Forest, having researched 35 towns and villages, from prehistory right up to present day, through a combination of archival and archaeological research.

Charnwood Roots is a Leicestershire Victoria County History Trust initiative funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and based at the University of Leicester.

The festival will be a full day out with something for everyone, whether they are a history enthusiast, Charnwood resident, or a family with children in need of a fun weekend activity.

The event comes towards the end of four years’ work by the University of Leicester and Leicestershire VCH Trust researching the history of Charnwood Forest with the support of a large group of community volunteers, including 600 local people.

Dr Julie Attard, Project Manager (Charnwood Roots) from our School of History, Politics and International Relations, said: “The festival comes towards the end of four years’ work researching the history of Charnwood Forest with the support of a large group of community volunteers. Some 600 local people have taken part. This is both a celebration of that joint endeavour and a great opportunity to share some of the fascinating stories that have come to light.”

The Charnwood Roots Heritage Festival will take place on Sunday 21 on May 2017, 10am – 4pm at Beaumanor Hall, Woodhouse, Leicestershire.