Page 5 - Life in Langham 1914-1919

A Welcome to Belgian Refugees

In 1914, Lord Lonsdale offered Barleythorpe as a

refuge for the horses, state carriages and motor

cars, plus relevant staff, of King Albert of the

Belgians. They were evacuated across the

Channel, under bombing, and by rail to Oakham.

Soon after, more refugees arrived in England

from German-occupied of Belgium.

King Albert I of Belgium

Here are examples of the local response:

▪ A committee in Oakham to provide a weekly fund.

▪ Loans of houses and provision of furniture.

▪ Money-raising activities such as:

A Whist Drive was held in the [Langham]

Institute on Thursday evening…,

84 players competing… The proceeds go

towards the Belgian Refugee Fund.

Grantham Journal 28 Nov 1914

THE PIG CLUB SUPPER was held in the

Institute on Saturday evening. Mr G. Ruddle

ably presided over a large attendance…

Songs were contributed by [local people and]

two Belgian guests, whose duets were

much enjoyed….
Grantham Journal 19 Dec 1914

AN ORGAN RECITAL… in the [Langham]

Parish Church…, the performers being

Belgians. A great musical treat was afforded by

the Belgian Court violinist…

At the close of the recital, Mons O. Dua feelingly

sang the Belgian National Anthem, the choir

and congregation joining with the Russian and English National Anthems. The collection which

was divided between the Belgian Refugees’ Fund and Church expenses realised £12….
Grantham Journal 15 May 1915