Repton: Parish history is brought to book

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We take a brief look at a new book containing extracts from parish magazines, dating from 1889-1937 which has been produced by members of Repton Village History Group.

The front cover of the December 1937 issue of St Wystan’s Parish Magazine, Repton

The Reverend G E D Woodyatt, who was vicar of St Wystan's, Repton, from 1883-1897

The Reverend A W Fletcher who was vicar from November 1932-1944 at St Wystan's, Repton

Examples of adverts carried in the St Wystan's parish magazines, Repton

A FASCINATING insight into the social history of Repton is laid out in a new book Notices and Jottings from St Wystan’s, Repton, Parish Magazine which records village life from 1889-1937.

The 105-page publication includes details of soldiers returning from the Boer and First World Wars, the euphoria which greeted the abolition of the toll for using the bridge over the River Trent at Willington in 1898 and the tale of a clergyman who was shipwrecked in 1898.

It also takes an in depth look at the changing face of Repton between 1889-1937, including copies of advertisements featured in the magazines and gives an insight into the changing role of the church and clergy.

The book has been painstakingly researched and written by members of Repton Village History Group. It is on sale, priced £4.95, at Derby Cathedral Bookshop, The Magic Attic, Swadlincote, Ottakers, Burton and Sharpe’s Pottery, Swadlincote.

It can also be purchased from the group directly by writing to 12a Monsum Lane, Repton.

The following two extracts are fascinating examples of parish life in years gone by:

Dated September 1898 and entitled Willington Bridge – “August Bank Holiday was a day of unusual festivity and rejoicing in Repton, for on that day, at noon, Willington Bridge was declared ‘free for ever’ and the toll-gate was removed in the presence of a very large assembly.

“From 10 o’clock, carriages, carts, wagons and other vehicles began to draw up in Repton, and, at half past 11, the procession, with a band, flags and banners, made a move towards the bridge.

“On arrival, just before mid-day, Lord Waterpark paid the last toll and declared the bridge free; then, Sir Francis Burdett was the first to pass over free, being followed by Lord Scarsdale and the procession.

“Possibly the most interesting object was the gate itself, mounted upon a wagon, with the old gate-keeper seated beside it.

“On reaching Willington, the procession turned and wended its way back to Repton where a large company sat down to luncheon in the School Paddock.”

Dated July 1918 another extract reads: “Again with profound regret I have to record losses among the men of our village. Firstly, there is the extremely sad blow which has come to Mr and Mrs Eaton, of Church End. Already two of their sons have fallen, and now the news has come to them that their eldest son, George, has died of wounds, while their fourth and sole remaining son is missing.”

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