With the range of military events that took place at the end of June as a part of Armed Forced Week in Rutland, our 'Oakham in history' feature this week is focussing on Oakham and Rutland's military history.

Oakham has a rich military history, arguably beginning with the Norman invasion in the 11th century. The reminders of this invasion can be seen in the now lost earth and timber motte-and-bailey castle; something that the undulating grounds of Oakham Castle allude to even now.

However, like the rest of Britain, Oakham's most documented military history is more recent, stemming from the First and Second World Wars of 1914 - 1918 and 1939 - 1945.

During the First World War, Oakham alone lost 124 men, with Rutland losing 5% of its male population in total.

More than 90 Rutland soldiers died in the Battle of the Somme alone, which lasted from 1 July 1916 until the middle of November. Today they lie in cemeteries across the old battlefield in northern France or are remembered among the 72,000 names on the Thiepval Memorial to the Missing of the Somme.

In the grounds of All Saints' Church you will find a memorial to those lost in both of these destructive wars.

A public meeting in Oakham decided to raise £1000 to pay for the town's war memorial which would be a cross in the churchyard. It was first unveiled in 1924, with more details being added after the Second World War.  

The memorial can be pictured here in front of All Saints' Church

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Oakham has had a modern military presence since 1940 when the St George's Barracks started life as RAF Luffenham. It was then re-named St George's Barracks in 1998 and the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery moved in in 2007.

There is still a large military presence in Oakham and Rutland, with Kendrew Barracks the MOD North Luffenham and more hosting personnel from around the country.

Rutland County Council's Armed Forces Officer, Ian Reynolds, said: "The Armed Forces community makes up more than 15% of Rutland's total population, with Reservists accounting for around one sixth of this. Reservists give up their spare time to serve in the Reserve Forces and are ready to support the military when needed.

"Rutland is incredibly proud and supportive of its Armed Forces Community – both those who serve and those who have served."

As a part of Armed Forces Week, celebrations took place in Rutland this year from the 21st of June 2022.