Rutland

Rutland is a unitary authority and historic county in the East Midlands of England. It is wedged between Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, and Northamptonshire.^[1]

The population of Rutland is 41,151 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the Office for National Statistics. Rutland's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was -0.5% per year. Rutland covers an area of 382 square kilometers (147 square miles) and has a population density of 108 people per square kilometer (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.^[2] According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Rutland is predominantly white (95%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 5% of the population.^[2]

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Rutland landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsRutland landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

The surface of Rutland County is diversified by gently rising hills and fine valleys, and is watered by the Eye Brook, the Chater, and the Gwash, flowing into the Welland, which forms the south-eastern boundary. The soil is in general loamy and fertile; in the east part it is chiefly in tillage, and in the west part under grass. The chief crops are wheat and barley.^[3]

The Wholesale and retail trade; repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles industry is the largest in Rutland.^[4] Other major industries include Other major industries include Manufacturing, Accommodation and Food Service Activities, and Education, which represents over 10% of the workers.^[4]

Agriculture in Rutland is characterized by a mix of arable farming and livestock rearing. The county's fertile land supports the cultivation of crops such as wheat, barley, and oilseed rape. Livestock farming, including cattle and sheep, is also prominent. Rutland is known for its high-quality agricultural produce and hosts events like the Rutland County Show to celebrate and promote local farming.^[5]

Rutland's iconic landmark, the Normanton Church, was rescued from the rising waters of Rutland Water in the 1970s. Today, with its floor raised significantly, the church stands as a fascinating testament to the past. Peterborough Cathedral is recognized as one of the finest Norman cathedrals in England. Oakham Castle is the longest-running seat of justice in England and was first recorded being used as a court in 1229. Rocks by Rail is an outdoor living museum covering 19 acres of reclaimed quarry and railway tracks to offer a journey back in time. Eyebrook Reservoir is on the borders of three counties; Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire.^[6]

Rutland historyRutland history

The story of Rutland County begins long before recorded history, hunter-gatherers roamed its rolling hills, leaving behind evidence of their existence in scattered stone tools. Neolithic farmers tilled the land, their presence marked by enduring earthworks. The Bronze Age brought with it a glimmer of metal, tools and weapons reflecting a burgeoning civilization.

Romans arrived in the area around 43 A.D. The Roman Ermine Street ran through the area on its way from London to Lincoln. A Roman villa at Great Casterton, discovered in 2020 with its mosaic floors and elegant architecture, evidences a prosperous past.^[7] The Roman occupation ended in about 410 A.D.^[8].

The Anglo-Saxons arrived as the Romans left, bringing their own language and customs. The land became part of the powerful Kingdom of Mercia, a period of shifting alliances and evolving power structures.^[9]

By the 12th century, Rutland emerged as a distinct county, a small but independent entity. Oakham Castle, a formidable fortress and England's most complete Norman Great Hall.^[10] The Middle Ages brought prosperity and hardship – the wool trade flourished, but the Black Death cast a long shadow.^[11]

The Reformation reshaped religious life, while the English Civil Wars brought turmoil and division. The Industrial Revolution largely bypassed Rutland, leaving its rural character largely intact. The 19th century witnessed advancements in transportation and communication, gradually connecting the county to the wider world but Rutland continued to be a predominantly agricultural county.^[1]

The 20th century brought the most dramatic transformation. The creation of Rutland Water, a vast man-made lake, reshaped the landscape and economy, attracting tourists and offering new opportunities. While agriculture remained a cornerstone, the county embraced a new identity, a blend of tradition and modernity.^[12]

Rutland parishes and unparished areasRutland parishes and unparished areas

Rutland was made a county by Henry III., and gives the title of duke to the family of Manners. It contains 5 hundreds, 57 parishes and part of another, and the market-towns of Oakham (where the assizes are held) and Uppingham; it has no parliamentary or municipal boroughs.^[3]

Rutland geographyRutland geography

Rutland is the smallest county in England. It is predominantly rural, with scattered villages and two main towns: Oakham and Uppingham. The landscape is characterized by low, rolling hills, the highest of which is a 197 m (646 ft) point in Cold Overton Park. and there is a large reservoir that dominates the county's center, created in the 1970, It is a significant nature reserve. Much of the county is composed of limestone, which influences the local environment and agriculture.

Rutland is almost entirely agricultural. The county is characterized by small villages, distinct according to their location. Those in the east of the county are built mostly in oolitic limestone, those in the south and west more in warm limestone.^[13]

Researching family history in RutlandResearching family history in Rutland

The Discover Rutland web page has helpful family history links. The Rutland Local Studies and Family History Library of the Rutland County Museum houses numerous reference materials on Rutland and the surrounding area. The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester, and Rutland exists to preserve and provide access to a wide range of resources which can be used to research the history and culture of Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland and there is a Family History and Records Online web page.^[14] The Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society was founded in 1974 and has an extensive range of data and books.

Ethnicities in RutlandEthnicities in Rutland

The demographic distribution of the Rutland population is as follows:^[2]

According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Rutland is predominantly white (94.8%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 5.2% of the population. Mixed people were the largest minority group in Rutland accounting for 1.8% of the population. 552 or 1% of the Rutland population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

Population by race in Rutland, 2021 census

White - 38,909 people or 94.8%
Mixed - 744 people or 1.8%
Asian - 634 people or 1.5%
Black - 552 people or 1.3%
Other - 211 people or 0.5%

Surnames in RutlandSurnames in Rutland

The demographic distribution of Rutland surnames is as follows:^[15]

Surnames	Incidence	Fequency
Smith	549	1:69
Jones	242	1:157
Taylor	225	1:169
Brown	218	1:174
Clarke	216	1:176
Williams	190	1:200
Wright	182	1:209
Dalby	173	1:219
Walker	173	1:219
Green	164	1:231

Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

References

[:2-1] 1.0 ^1.1 Rutland | England, Map, & Population | Britannica

[:0-2] 2.0 ^2.1 ^2.2 Rutland Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing

[:1-3] 3.0 ^3.1 Genuki: Rutland, Rutland

[:3-4] 4.0 ^4.1 Rutland Economy | Labour Market & Industries

[5] Agricultural facts: East Midlands region

[6] Attractions in Rutland for all to enjoy

[7] Investigations at Rutland Roman Villa | Historic England

[8] Timeline of Roman Britain

[9] Anglo-Saxon | Definition, History, Language, Countries, Culture, & Facts | Britannica

[10] Oakham Castle

[11] History of Rutland

[12] Rutland the Once and Future County

[13] Rutland

[14] Family History and Records Online

[15] Most Common Surnames in Rutland, With Meanings

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