This is the most extensive collection of on-line articles about the history of Lambourn and the surrounding area. From the history of racing to the Lambourn carnivals of the past we have a treasure chest of articles and pictures about the village and its people from days gone by.
More articles are being added all the time and existing ones revised as more material becomes available in a digital format.
Let us know if you would like to join the team and research some aspect of the history of the Valley of the Racehorse. No web editing experience needed, just enthusiasm and a passion for Lambourn.
The Museum Galleries:
Hello, I am wondering if Meridian, the home of Freddy Templeman still exists, or if any photographs of it are available. If not is there anyone who knows what it looked like? I have inherited some old family photographs that show some people standing outside a house. There is a nameplate to the right of the doorway that says Meridian. I have no idea who these people are! However my grt. aunt was ladies maid to Evelyn Spottiswood, at Rooksnest, and I have reason to believe the house in the photographs was in the Lambourn vicinity.
Any help would be greatly appreciated,
Regards,
Jennifer Edwards.
Hi Jennifer,
What time frame are your photo’s of Meridian? My Gt Grandfather built a house in Lambourn around 1906 and called it Meridian. he was a Captain in the merchant Navy. I have a picture of it. I would love to see the picture in case it is my family standing outside. I have been trying to find out more about what became of the house as my family did not stay there long and returned to South Shields, Tyne & Wear. I would love to hear from you.
Kind regards
Nikki
I am the daughter-in-law of the late Beryl Holmes, nee Templeman, who was the niece of Fred Templeman and daughter of Arthur Templeman. I did visit Meridian House in the mid 1970s on a couple of occasions. Its appearance at that time did not resemble the photos of the Meridian brick house shown here. At the time of my visits Fred had quite recently passed away and Olga Thurston was living there. Unfortunately, I do not have any photos, but the the house was quite fine with a large and distinctive Italian marbled foyer, from where decorative gates opened into a dining room. To the left, off the foyer, I recall a study/snug and a long, elegant drawing room that opened onto a wide terrace. The house stood at the end of a long curving drive that was lined by trees to either side and there was a large fountain to the front of the entry. Having said all this, I doubt any of this information is of much use to you!
Hello Beryl, how nice to hear from you and to read your memories of Meridian. I am trying to remember the foyer from being there as a child, I used to go and watch ‘Muffin the Mule’ when Bill and Nancy lived there and looking after Fred’s horses, it was quite something to see a television at that time but that was in 1953! so just a few years ago. Thank you for your memories. Liz
hi
has anyone looked at Alfred the greats will. look at the part where he leaves lambourn to his wife aleswith, it says i leave the place of mybirth lambourn and my 2 victories wantage and Ashdown to my wife aleswith.
is this a mistake or was alfred born at lambourn.
hi
if you look on the british library medieval manuscripts blog, king alfreads last will and testament . it has a english version or the will it clearly states i leave to my wife ealswith the places of my birth lambourn and 2 greatest victories wantage and eddington
here ia a link,
https://britishlibrary.typepad.co.uk/digitisedmanuscripts/2013/07/the-last-will-and-testament-of-alfred-the-great.html
see what you think.
Hello Anthony
A very interesting question! The area of his birth has always been a ‘bone of contention’! similar to the question of where he burnt the cakes!, which is apparently in the west country. As much as I would like it to be Lambourn, I am not convinced it was, apart from the fact that he built his manor in Lambourn some years later. The Will that I have read states ‘….Lambourn and Wantage in Berks at the latter of which King Alfred was born‘ which of course refers to Wantage. However, as you say, the translation in the British Archives states ‘ …In what appears to be a sentimental gesture, he bequeaths to his wife Ealhswith the places of his birth, Lambourn, and two greatest victories, Wantage and Edington’ I wonder why they have said ‘places’ (plural) of his birth?
All very confusing!