LOCAL HISTORY SOCIETY: At a meeting of the Local History Society, held on April 18, the chairman, Mr Fred Brush welcomed members and visitors. He then introduced the speaker, Mr C R Crosse who gave members a wonderful account of the history of Northleach up to modern times. The story began with the Romans who did not like the local Celtic sheep and brought over breeds from Italy including what became known as the Cotswold Lions. These laid the foundations for the prosperity which Northleach enjoyed for many centuries. They used all parts of the animals, even to milking them. The milk from 20 ewes was as much as from two cows. A useful product. The Dioceses of Worcester and Gloucester owned the land in the area and profited greatly from the large flocks reared everywhere locally. In 1227 the Fair of St Peters came into being, held on June 29 and brought further prosperity to the town. The centre, known as the Square, was, in fact, a triangle. Burgage plots were laid out, 11 yards x 10 yards, comprising of an acre, enough to feed a family. After the Dissolution the Court Leet came into being, controlling all activities, fines, charges etc. This body is still in operation. There were 22 pubs in the village. Mr Crosse gave many facets of life in the town and the changes over the centuries, the effects of the Civil War when Sir Thomas Fairfax billeted his men in the church, a wonderful perpendicular building with many brasses. Also a school was founded in 1557 by Hugh Westwood until its closure. Mr Crosse was thanked by Mr Peter Peters. The next meeting will be on May 16 when Mr Michael Boyes will speak on A Victorian Cotswold Village.