Gallowtree Gate, Leicester by David Weston

MEET THE EDITORS

Brenda Eldridge, Associate Editor

This website is developing almost exponentially in tandem with the underlying database that supports it. It is time to take a closer but hopefully dispassionate look at the origin of our particular branch of the family tree. Although we have pointed out the roots of the Craxford clan back in rural Northamptonshire, there are repeated liaisons and references over the last one hundred and fifty years to individuals and families living and working in the City of Leicester.

This is true of our side too – our parents lived there for most of their lives; Brenda and I grew up and went to school within its boundaries. We both left the city many years ago losing virtually all our links with the old place. A recent visit has shown us the extent to which time and the town planners have wrought changes upon the places we used to know.

Margaret Lodge, Associate Editor

George Craxford kept fond memories of his wartime experiences thoughout his life. He kept extensive diaries and many photographs which charted his progress after he was called up to the Royal Artillery in 1940, his involvement in the North African campaign and latterly as part of the occupation force in Italy. Called up on the same day was Lew Blackwell and our two families have remained long term if separated friends. George's diaries were donated to the Imperial War Museum after his death.

I am delighted to welcome Margaret, Lew's daughter, to these pages and thank her for her help in the preparation of these two articles which have been drawn from the diaries and from family memories.

Newfloridian has to admit to being self-indulgent again and has been wistfully recalling the days of his youth. Three linked articles have been published on this page documenting the old family home (358 Fosse Road North), the neighbourhood "Growing up on Fosse Road North" and how the passing years have dealt with the streets of our childhood "A walk down King Dick's Road"

This page will become the home of the Leicester Craxfords. I will also try to keep the list of associated surnames up to date.

Burlton: Newfloridian's paternal grandmother's family arising from Hereford
George / Goodall: Families from Leicester and Leicestershire associated with Craxfords by marriage
Tilley: Family name of George William Craxford's aunt Edith
Snow / Hems: Married names of George's cousins Iris and Joan

Do contact us with any news, photos or other documents that could be of interest.

Newfloridian - Site Administrator
(Alan D. Craxford) September 5th 2007.

"Aspects of Leicester" - A short history of the city with editorial observations

If you have any questions or comments about the information on this site, please contact us at AlanCrax@aol.com. We look forward to hearing from you.