Rutland is a tiny county with a lot of history, which is summed up nicely by the County motto 'multum in parvo' which translates from Latin into 'much in little' or 'a great deal in a small place'.

The most obvious example of Rutland having 'much in little' is Rutland Water, the largest man made body of water in England (and one of the largest in Europe). Rutland Water was built in between 1971 and 75 despite much objection, and means that the villages of Nether Hambleton and Middle Hambleton are now underwater, having been demolished before the reservoir was filled.

Rutland was reinstated as a county in 1997 after being absorbed into Leicestershire in 1974.

Being one of the smallest counties, Rutland's area is 151 square miles. Its title as the smallest county comes under contestation when the tide is in on the Isle of Wight... this was discussed by Stephen Fry on QI, but remains contested.

Despite often being called 'Rutlanders', Rutland residents are traditionally known as 'Raddlemen'.

Peers of the realm who pass through Oakham for the first time must give a horseshoe to the Lord of the Manor. This unique custom started over 500 years ago and still continues today, with over 200 horseshoes on display in Oakham Castle, traditionally a Great Hall. 

In Rutland, all horseshoes are hung with their tips pointing the ground. Some consider this to be incorrect, ushering in bad luck. However, 'Raddleman' believe that this prevents the devil from making a nest in the bottom of the horseshoe and allows luck falls from the horseshoe to be bestowed on those that walk beneath it.

The office of High Sheriff of Rutland was instituted in 1129, and there has been a Lord Lieutenant of Rutland since at least 1559. The current Lord Lieutenant is Dr Sarah Furness.

Although Rutland is independent, its MP (currently Alicia Kearns) is the MP for Rutland and Melton Mowbray.

Despite being so small, Rutland comprises of 57 civil parishes.

Since The Census began in 1831, the population of Rutland has increased from 19,380 to approximately 41,000.

Do you have any local history to share for our next 'Oakham in History' feature?

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