GUIDE TO RADCLIFFE ON TRENT 1900–27
Photograph courtesy of Radcliffe on Trent History Society
Radcliffe on Trent is a large village in the Rushcliffe borough of Nottinghamshire enjoying a picturesque location near the River Trent. Its present population is approximately 8000. In 1914, its much smaller population of less than 3000 were caught up in the traumatic events of the First World War.
This section of the website explores what happened in the village before, during and immediately after the war.
WWI turned the world upside down, locally and globally. A great many Radcliffe men exchanged peaceful village life for trench warfare. The aftermath included bereavement, insecurity, influenza and irreversible social change. Some of these topics are included in this section. Memorialisation played a key role in helping people come to terms with loss. Radcliffe on Trent is proud of its splendid Rockley Memorial Park, donated to the village in 1927 by Lisle Rockley (see below).
Click on the titles below to go to:
Occupations 1911, Radcliffe men and women
St Mary’s Church and the Great War Centenary
Walks around Radcliffe on Trent, 1914 including Map of Radcliffe 1914
Map of Radcliffe on Trent
Here you can view a map of the village as it was in 1914. You can access the map here and from the menu button.
Introduction to Radcliffe on Trent Walks
This page introduces you to three illustrated walks round the village as it was in 1914. Find out about local residents, housing, occupations and the geography of Radcliffe. You can access the walks here, from the menu button and from the Home Page.
Life in Radcliffe on Trent before the First World War
You can find out about the social and cultural life of Radcliffe before the war from other articles on this website and books published by Radcliffe on Trent local history society.
This long list of occupations in 1911 is transcribed directly from the 1911 Census. The names are not hyperlinked to additional information. However, you will also find the names in several other places on the website such as the Roll of Honour, Women’s Biographies and in the Walks. You can access Radcliffe Occupations here, from the menu button and site map.
The Wright’s Directory of 1915, published in that year, lists Radcliffe house owners and trades people with their occupations. It provides a fascinating summary of the working life of the village in wartime. You will need to click on each page of the directory to read it. You can access Wrights Directory here, from the menu button and site map.
Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club 1909–1925
This article discusses the founding of Radcliffe on Trent Golf Club in 1909, the impact of the war on its members and changes in the club after the war was over, including the move to a new site.
Rockley Memorial Park is an area of outstanding natural beauty in Radcliffe on Trent. View photos of the Park, Cliff Walk, Lily Ponds and Riverside and find out about recent work done to improve these areas. You can also read about Mr. Lisle Rockley, who donated the land to the village, and what happened to his son in the war. The Rockley Memorial Park page can be accessed here, from the menu and from the Home Page.
War Memorials in Radcliffe on Trent
This long article looks at the story behind the village war memorial, the men whose names were inscribed and those who were not included. It includes a summary of the memorial tablet at Notts. County Asylum (later known as Saxondale Hospital) and memorials in St. Mary’s Church.
War Graves in Radcliffe on Trent Cemetery
This article provides information about the sixteen burials that took place in the village between 1915 and 1923 for those who lost their lives as a result of WWI.
Useful web sites:
Radcliffe on Trent Local History Society: www.radcliffeontrentlocalhistorysociety.co.uk
Radcliffe on Trent Parish Council www.rotpc.com