History of Oakham

The history of Oakham is rooted in the Anglo-Saxon period. According to one theory, the town's name derives from an Old English phrase meaning "Occa's Ham" (Occa's homestead), or it may be related to the abundance of oak groves in the area. The first and most significant documentary evidence of the settlement's existence is found in the famous Domesday Book of 1086. It describes Oakham as a wealthy royal manor that previously belonged to Queen Edith, wife of Edward the Confessor.

Oakham's transformation into the important administrative centre of the county of Rutland was driven by several key factors:

• Construction of the Castle: In the late 12th century, the Norman baron Walkelin de Ferrers erected the famous Great Hall of Oakham Castle. This magnificent structure, which has survived to this day, cemented the town's status as the region's centre of political power.
• Geographical Location: The town is advantageously situated in the fertile Vale of Catmose, making it a natural focal point for surrounding landowners and traders.
• Trade Privileges: In 1249, King Henry III officially granted Oakham the right to hold markets and fairs, providing a powerful impetus for economic development and population growth.

From its early years, Oakham's economy was based on agriculture, particularly the trade in wool and livestock products. The town quickly became a prosperous market centre, evidenced by the preserved ancient Butter Cross, under the arches of which local farmers traditionally sold butter and cheese.

A unique cultural feature of the town is an unusual tradition originating in the Middle Ages: every Peer of the Realm visiting Oakham for the first time is obliged to present a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor. This custom, likely linked to the family name de Ferrers (from the word "farrier" — blacksmith), has turned the castle into a unique gallery displaying hundreds of horseshoes from various eras and sizes.

Middle Ages and Early Modern Period

• 1086 — Oakham is mentioned in the Domesday Book as an important royal manor with agricultural lands.
• Circa 1180–1190 — Walkelin de Ferrers builds the Great Hall of Oakham Castle, one of the finest surviving examples of Norman architecture in Britain.
• 1249 — King Henry III grants the town an official charter to hold markets and fairs, stimulating trade.
• 1584 — Archdeacon Robert Johnson founds Oakham School and a local grammar school, laying the foundations for education in the region.
• 1619 — Jeffrey Hudson, nicknamed "Lord Minimus," is born in the town; he became the famous court dwarf of Queen Henrietta Maria.

Industrialisation and Modernity

• 1802 — The opening of the Oakham Canal connects the town with Melton Mowbray, significantly simplifying the transport of coal and goods.
• 1848 — The completion of the Syston and Peterborough railway leads to the closure of the canal but opens the town to the national railway network.
• 1858 — The Rutland Agricultural Society is founded and begins holding annual agricultural shows in Oakham.
• 1974 — During administrative reforms, Rutland loses its county status and becomes a district of Leicestershire, sparking protests among local residents.
• 1976 — Construction of the Rutland Water reservoir is completed nearby, turning Oakham into a significant tourist hub.
• 1997 — Rutland restores its independence as a unitary authority, and Oakham officially becomes the administrative centre of England's smallest county once again.

Key Milestones in the Town's Development

The formation of Oakham's modern appearance is a story of gradual transformation from a feudal manor into a prestigious educational and tourist centre. Several turning points that defined the town's destiny can be highlighted:

• Architectural Core (12th Century): The construction of Oakham Castle and its Great Hall was a defining factor in town planning. This event fixed the layout of the town centre and solidified its role as the administrative capital, around which the entire infrastructure of the county began to develop.
• Economic Rise (1249): Obtaining the official right to hold markets and fairs turned Oakham into the region's main trading hub. This event stimulated an influx of artisans and merchants, and also contributed to the appearance of iconic public structures, such as the Butter Cross.
• Educational Hub (1584): The founding of the school (Oakham School) by Archdeacon Robert Johnson had a long-term social impact. Over time, the educational institution expanded, occupying significant territory in the centre, and formed the unique academic atmosphere that is the town's hallmark today.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (19th Century): The sequential opening of the Oakham Canal (1802) and then the railway (1848) brought the town out of isolation. Access to affordable coal and the ability to quickly export goods linked the local economy with the industrial centres of the Midlands, ensuring stability during the Victorian era.
• Tourism Reorientation (1976): The completion of the Rutland Water reservoir served as a catalyst for the development of the service sector. The town gained a new status as the "gateway" to one of the UK's largest nature reserves, attracting investment in hotels, gastronomy, and retail.
• Administrative Renaissance (1997): The return of unitary authority status to Rutland and the confirmation of Oakham's role as the capital strengthened local identity. This decision allowed the town to preserve the intimate character of its buildings and avoid the excessive urbanisation typical of neighbouring metropolises.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architectural landscape of Oakham is distinguished by a harmonious blend of historical styles, dominated by the use of local building materials — golden limestone and dark ironstone. The town has preserved its traditional medieval layout, formed around the market square and the castle, avoiding chaotic modern development.

Main Architectural Eras

• Norman Style and Transitional Gothic (12th Century):

  The town's main jewel is the Great Hall of Oakham Castle (c. 1180–1190). It is a rare example of secular architecture demonstrating the transition from the massive Romanesque style to Early English Gothic. Characteristic features include a combination of round and pointed arches, as well as rich stone carving on the capitals, executed with high craftsmanship.

• Gothic (13th–15th Centuries):

  All Saints' Church serves as a benchmark of English Gothic architecture. The building, expanded over centuries, combines elements of the Decorated style with the later Perpendicular Gothic, which is especially noticeable in the construction of the tower and spire, serving as the town's vertical landmark.

• Vernacular Architecture and Tudor Style (14th–17th Centuries):

  Many residential buildings in the centre are built in the traditional style using local stone. A landmark object is Flore's House, dating back to the 13th century but significantly rebuilt in subsequent centuries. The Old School building (1584) belongs to this same period, distinguished by a strict facade and an inscription in Greek, Hebrew, and Latin above the entrance.

• Georgian Style (18th–19th Centuries):

  During the era of prosperous market trade, an ensemble of two- and three-storey buildings formed around the Market Place. An example is the Whipper-In hotel — a former coaching inn that has retained the characteristic features of Georgian commercial architecture.

• Victorian Eclecticism (Late 19th Century):

  With the development of railways, red brick buildings and public structures appeared in the town, such as Victoria Hall (1899). This building combines functionality with decorative elements typical of the late Victorian era.

Urban Planning Features

Oakham's development occurred organically, without a rigid regular plan. The historical core of the town is compact and pedestrian-oriented. Main streets radiate from the Market Place and the Castle, forming an irregular grid characteristic of ancient English settlements. Modern districts neatly skirt the historical centre without violating its visual integrity.

Notable Personalities of Oakham

The history of Oakham is closely intertwined with the destinies of many notable figures, from medieval politicians to modern sports and art stars. A significant role in this has been played by the prestigious Oakham School, which has nurtured many talents, as well as the rich historical heritage of the town itself.

• Roger Flore (d. 1427) — Statesman and Patron.
  One of the most influential residents of Oakham during the Lancastrian era. He was elected Speaker of the House of Commons of the English Parliament four times. Flore was a major philanthropist, bequeathing funds to local churches and the poor. His residence, Flore's House, has survived to this day.
• Jeffrey Hudson (1619–1682) — Courtier and "Wonder of Nature".
  Born in Oakham to a butcher's family. Known as "Lord Minimus" and the court dwarf of Queen Henrietta Maria. Despite his small stature, he became famous for his bravery, participated in the Civil War on the Royalist side, and survived captivity by Barbary pirates.
• Titus Oates (1649–1705) — Cleric and Conspirator.
  A native of Oakham who became a notorious figure in English history. He fabricated the so-called "Popish Plot" — a fictitious plan to assassinate King Charles II, which led to widespread anti-Catholic hysteria and a political crisis in the country.
• Sir Jeffrey Tate (1943–2017) — Conductor.
  A graduate of Oakham School. Despite a congenital condition (spina bifida), he became one of the most respected conductors of his generation, leading the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra and the English Chamber Orchestra. He was the first president of the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus in the UK.
• Matthew Macfadyen (b. 1974) — Theatre and Film Actor.
  Spent his school years in Oakham (1985–1992). He gained worldwide fame for his roles as Mr. Darcy in the adaptation of "Pride and Prejudice" and Tom Wambsgans in the series "Succession," for which he was awarded Emmy and BAFTA awards.
• Stuart Broad (b. 1986) — Professional Cricketer.
  One of the most successful bowlers in the history of the England cricket team. He began developing his sporting talent while studying at Oakham School, which is renowned for its sporting traditions.