An Edwardian View
In those halcyon days during the early part of the last century, when everything moved at much slower pace, village life seemed to remain pretty much unchanged for generations. Farmers worked the land and, in most cases, brought their families up to follow suit. One such place where this pattern appeared to continue is the beautiful village of Carlton Curlieu.
I came across an old Edwardian postcard on my travels that featured the main street that runs through the village. Later I found a view of the same thoroughfare from the opposite direction. Apparently, the post office was situated somewhere along this street. At the time the postcard was franked the business was run by the sub postmistress Mrs Ruth Coleman. The date of posting was clearly shown on the back of the card as August 17th 1906. It was printed over a green halfpenny stamp displaying the head of King Edward VII surrounded by a circular postmark showing Kibworth Beauchamp, Leicester. The postcard was addressed to a Miss Hunt of Lyn House, Nelson Street, Market Harborough. It had been sent from her sister May.
It was interesting to note that, according to The Domesday Survey in 1086, there were 24 inhabitants in Carlton Curlieu. Whereas following the 2001 census the parish recorded a population of 30. An increase of only 6 residents in 915 years!
While studying the postcard I did notice and wondered if the bicycle propped against the hedge on the right belonged to the photographer who professionally captured this tranquil scene from 119 years ago.
Glyn Hatfield
Kibworth Art Lovers Update & Annual Exhibition
