Oakham Rutland and Rutland News Martin Brookes

Angela Harding Capturing the Spirit of Rutland

If you have ever browsed a high-end bookstore or admired a nature-inspired calendar, chances are you have encountered the evocative work of Angela Harding. A celebrated printmaker and illustrator, Angela has become one of the UK’s most recognisable artists, with her distinct style deeply rooted in the rolling landscapes of Rutland.

Although Angela’s work takes her across the British Isles from the rugged coasts of Norfolk to the remote beauty of Fair Isle her creative heart remains in Rutland.

For over 20 years, Angela has worked from her glass-fronted studio in the village of Wing. The studio overlooks ancient sheep fields and hedgerows, which she often describes as an "avian motorway" for the birds that feature so prominently in her prints.

Angela is a master of , primarily using and . She uses a Victorian-style Rochat Albion press to create her limited-edition prints, characterised by their incredible use of light, shadow, and "expressive" mark-making.

While her primary workspace is in Wing, Angela maintains a significant presence in Oakham. Her administrative and collection hub is located at 25A Burley Road, a stone's throw from the town center.

While the Burley Road location serves as the office and a point for order collections, fans of her work should keep an eye out for Open Studio events (typically in September), where she invites the public into her Wing studio to see the presses in action.

Angela’s reach extends far beyond gallery walls. She is a prolific illustrator for major publishers, including, book covers, she has designed iconic covers for authors like and (The Salt Path).

Her own best-selling books, such as A Year Unfolding and the recent Falling into Autumn, offer a visual diary of the changing seasons.

National Recognition: In late 2025, she was a featured guest on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, discussing how the Rutland landscape shaped her career.

Whether you are looking for a fine art print, a beautiful tea towel, or a simple greeting card, you can explore Angela’s world through these links:

Official Website:

www.angelaharding.co.uk

Instagram:

@angelahardingprints

Collection Point: (Please call ahead for collections: 07951 925896)

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The Oakham Heritage Pub Crawl

This Historic Inns & Artisan Ales Walk takes you from the station, through the hidden alleyways of the town center, and finishes at the oldest inn in Oakham. It’s a perfect way to experience the town's hospitality while soaking up its history.

Stop 1: The Railway Pub & Steam Bar Station Road

Try a local real ale from the rotating taps while watching the trains pull into the station.

Why here? It’s the perfect "Grand Entrance" to Oakham, located right opposite the station.

Stop 2: The Lord Nelson Market Place

Classic, cosy, and famously traditional.

Known for its excellent selection of Samuel Smith’s ales and spirits.

Stop 3: The Wheatsheaf Northgate Oakham Rutland

The Drink: A great spot for a refreshing cider or a premium gin and tonic.

Stop 4: The Admiral Hornblower High Street

Sophisticated yet welcoming, with a fantastic courtyard.

Perfect for a glass of wine or a craft lager.

Named after the fictional naval hero (created by C.S. Forester, who had local connections), this former farmhouse is full of character and is a great spot if you fancy a "bar snack" that’s a bit more upscale.

Stop 5: The Wisteria Hotel, Hunters Bar Catmos Street

Relaxed, elegant, and historic, Enjoy a drink in the bar or out in the garden.

Stop 6: The Crown Tavern Crown Walk of the High Street

A pint of whatever the local guest ale is that week.

Top Tips for your Crawl:

Drink Responsibly:

Most of these pubs offer excellent non-alcoholic options and locally roasted coffee.

Sunday Lunch: If you're doing this on a Sunday, The Railway and The Admiral Hornblower are legendary for their roasts, so book ahead

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The Railway Pub & Steam Bar Oakham Rutland

Located directly opposite the historic Oakham Railway Station, The Railway Pub & Steam Bar is much more than a local watering hole.

Quality Food & Drink

The quality keeps people coming back. The Railway is a favorite for:

Real Ales & Craft Beers: As a staple in the Good Beer Guide, they pride themselves on a rotating selection of well-kept local and regional ales.

Traditional Pub Food, from hearty breakfasts to their famous Sunday roasts, the menu focuses on high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Plan Your Visit

Location: 13 Station Road, Oakham, LE15 6QT

Website: www.railwayoakham.co.uk

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Rutland County Library, Oakham, Rutland, A Hub for Culture and Discovery

Located on Catmose Street, Rutland County Library is far more than just a place to borrow books. It is a vibrant community hub where Oakham’s deep history meets modern-day resources. Whether you are looking for a quiet place to study, a fun afternoon for the kids, or a dive into your family’s ancestry, the library is the heart of the town’s intellectual life.

While the library offers a sleek, modern interior, it is built on ancient foundations.

The Hidden Well as part of the town's unique subterranean water network, a historic well was identified within the building itself. This discovery highlights how the library sits atop the same "water line" that connects the Wisteria Hotel to the Market Place pump.

Behind the library lies the beautiful Garden, which now serves as the permanent home to the Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Statue, unveiled in 2024.

The library provides an impressive range of services for residents and visitors alike.

High-speed Wi-Fi, public computers, and printing/scanning facilities

The library houses a significant collection of local history records, maps, and photographs perfect for those researching Rutland’s heritage.

From "Rhyme Times" for toddlers to Lego clubs and holiday workshops, it is a go-to destination for local families.

The library regularly hosts author talks, exhibitions, and community workshops in its versatile event spaces.

Plan Your Visit

Location: Catmose Street, Oakham, LE15 6HW

Membership: Free for anyone living, working, or studying in Rutland.

Official Website & Services

You can browse the online catalogue, renew books, or check the latest event schedule here:

Website: www.rutland.gov.uk/libraries

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Oakham War Memorial A Legacy of Sacrifice

Standing prominently in the churchyard of All Saints’ Church, the Oakham War Memorial is a poignant landmark that serves as the town's focal point for Remembrance. Designed as an elegant lantern cross in the medieval style, it stands as a silent witness to the profound impact of the 20th century’s global conflicts on our local community.

Commissioned by the Oakham War Memorial Committee after the First World War, the project was funded entirely by public subscription, raising £1,000 (a significant sum at the time).

The memorial was designed by Sir Ninian Comper, one of the last great Gothic Revival architects. Comper was renowned for his ecclesiastical work, and his signature style is evident in the memorial's intricate "lantern" top.

It is crafted from Clipsham stone, which was generously donated by J. Davenport-Handley of Clipsham Hall. The carving was executed by W.D. Gough of London.

The closed lantern at the summit features detailed carvings of the Crucifixion, the Virgin and Child, St. Martin dividing his cloak, and St. George and the Dragon.

The memorial was officially unveiled on April 6, 1922, by Major General Sir A.E. Codrington. The ceremony was a massive community event; photographs from the day show nearly 200 ex-servicemen, wearing their medals, parading through the Market Place alongside the Oakham School O.T.C. to reach the churchyard for the dedication by the Bishop of Peterborough.

Originally, the memorial was intended to record the names of 102 local men who died in the Great War. Over time, as more records came to light, the number of First World War names grew to 112.

Following the Second World War, an additional 17 names were inscribed to honor those who fell between 1939 and 1945.

Such was the generosity of the townspeople that money left over from the memorial fund was used to renovate a building on the High Street. This became the War Memorial Institute, providing a club for returning soldiers. Today, that legacy continues as the building serves the community in other ways (formerly the library). and now the home of Rutland Citizens Advice.

On April 10, 2022, a special service was held to re-dedicate the memorial, marking exactly 100 years since its original erection. During this ceremony, the standard of the Royal British Legion Oakham was laid up, and a new standard for the renamed Rutland British Legion was dedicated, ensuring that the act of remembrance remains a living tradition in Oakham.

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Oakham’s Famous Signal Box

If you’ve ever waited at the level crossing on Melton Road, you’ve been standing in the shadow of a genuine celebrity. The Oakham Level Crossing Signal Box is arguably one of the most famous railway structures in the world not because of its size, but because it has been recreated in miniature on thousands of kitchen tables across the globe.

The signal box achieved national fame in the 1950s when it was chosen by Airfix as the prototype for their first-ever railway model kit.

For decades, if you bought an "Airfix Signal Box," you were building a 1:76 scale replica of the one right here in Oakham.

The design was so classic that even after Airfix, other major brands like Dapol and Hornby continued to use Oakham as the inspiration for their own model railway accessories. It remains a "must-have" for hobbyists wanting an authentic British railway look.

Built in 1899 by the Midland Railway, the box follows the "Type 2b" design, known for its sturdy brick base and large timber-framed windows that give the signalman a clear view of the tracks.

In 1990, it was granted Grade II Listed status by Historic England. This protection ensures that its original character including its traditional wooden windows and steps is preserved for future generations. While many signal boxes across the UK have been replaced by plastic or metal modernisations, Oakham’s remains a beautifully maintained example of Victorian engineering.

While many mechanical signal boxes have been decommissioned in favor of centralised digital hubs, Oakham’s signal box remains operational. In an era of high-tech automation, there is something deeply reassuring about seeing the signalman at work behind the glass, manually operating the levers that keep the Leicester-to-Peterborough line running safely.

Fun Facts for your Visit

The "Buggleskelly" Connection, Because of the Airfix kit’s popularity, the Oakham box is often the "go-to" model for fans of the classic railway comedy Oh, Mr. Porter!, despite the movie being set in a fictional station.

The best place to photograph the box is from the station platform or safely from the pedestrian footbridge, where you can see how it dominates the crossing.

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Oakham Railway Station

For many visitors, Oakham Railway Station provides their first glimpse of our county town. Far from being just a modern transit point, the station is a beautifully preserved piece of Victorian history that has served the community since the mid-19th century.

A Masterpiece of Railway Architecture

Opened on May 1, 1848, by the Midland Railway, the station was designed by the renowned architect Edward Wood.

The station is a Grade II listed building, celebrated for its distinctive red-brick "Italianate" style, featuring arched windows and decorative stone dressings.

Even today, you can admire the intricate cast-iron canopies on the platforms, which have protected passengers from the Rutland weather for over 175 years.

Perhaps the station’s most unique claim to fame is the Oakham Level Crossing Signal Box. Built in 1899, this charming structure became a national icon in a very unusual way.

It was chosen as the prototype for the classic Airfix model kit. For decades, railway enthusiasts across the globe have built miniature versions of Oakham’s signal box for their own model layouts, making it one of the most recognisable railway buildings in the UK.

Connecting Oakham to the Nation

As the only surviving passenger station in Rutland, Oakham remains a vital hub for the county.

Regional Travel Regular hourly services run between Birmingham New Street and Stansted Airport (via Leicester, Peterborough, and Cambridge).

Passenger Information (2026)

The station retains a staffed ticket office (typically open mornings/afternoons Mon-Sat), a small car park, and cycle storage.

There is step-free access to both platforms, though passengers using the barrow crossing should check with staff for assistance.

Managing Operator: East Midlands Railway (EMR).

Plan Your Journey

Whether you’re commuting to Leicester or heading off on a holiday to the capital, you can find live times and tickets here

Official Website: www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk

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