ABOUT US
Copies of our newsletters can be found here
If you have a field or a mystery that you would like us to investigate please contact us:
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Investigation Invitation
The Field Detectives is a group of historians that seek opportunities to survey fields that can tell us more about how our historic landscapes evolved. By sharing the findings from our field surveys, we help to inform and re-engage people with their local heritage. One of our favourite sayings is “Every field tells a story”.
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THE SEARCH FOR STATHERN HALL​​
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GHOSTLY RUINS are slowly emerging from the ground on Coombs Meadow at Stathern.
Is this the former home of the King Killer, Colonel Francis Hacker?
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As the first stage of the Coombs Meadow excavation at Stathern in Leicestershire draws to a close with the yucky muddy backfilling in the wake of storm Claudia, and in the face of an arctic blast, what can be said of The Field Detectives' findings so far?
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All will be revealed in St Guthlac’s church at Stathern early in the new year. In the meantime, we have received an extremely kind invitation from the Belvoir Castle archivist that will enable us to explore their records in search of anything that might help us learn more about the lost 17th-century house on Mill Hill.
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At the time of the Stathern enclosure award of 1792, there were two manors, and we know that the Hacker family had two properties in Stathern during the 17th century. A house in the village and a farm on the hill.
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Make sure you are at the Community Presentation event at St Guthlac’s church after Christmas, if you want to learn more about the lost homes of Colonel Francis Hacker.
The date and time will be announced soon.
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You can learn more about this investigation here
There are many myths and legends surrounding Francis Hacker and his family, which the Field Detectives have unravelled.
You can read their blog at the Parliamentary Archives: archives.blog.parliament.uk/2024/05/28/colonel-francis-hacker/
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Catherine's book - 'A Further Account of the Hacker Family' is available at:
Click images to enlarge
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Field Survey Calendar
Grange Block of Fields - Cropwell Butler
Start date to be announced soon​​​
The Legendary Santa Sleigh Run 2025
Change of Date
Thursday, 18th December at 10.30 am
No, it’s not anything to do with running, it’s everything to do with saying thank you to all our friends and fellow historic landscape investigation custodians. It is also a time to catch up with everyone who wants to join us to celebrate and reflect on yet another incredibly rewarding year.
The Santa Run commences at 10:30 am on Thursday, 18th December 2025, with the arrival of Steve, Christine and Santa’s Sleigh.
Now, this is the important part of the day: Refreshment Stop at the Nags Head, Harby, Leicestershire at 12:30 pm.
EVERYONE IS WELCOME, but you must all wear Christmas attire, after all it is the season to be jolly.
The Field Detectives Talks Calendar