New book remembers impact of world war on Derbyshire village

Over the past two years, Middleton by Wirksworth Parish Council has co-ordinated a community National Lottery Heritage Fund project to commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War.

This has now finished with the publication of a new book Middleton Remembers.

The book includes biographies of the men from the village who served and died, insights into village life of the period and Middleton’s role in the production of more than 120,000 headstones which were sent to war cemeteries all over the world.

Research by volunteers, led and co-ordinated by Lucy Godfrey, has brought to light accounts of horrific experiences and touching personal reflections.

Councillor and co-ordinator Olwen Wilson said: “The biographies are a real treasure and provide a moving insight into the soldiers, their families and the life they left to go to war.

“There are references to places and occupations long gone. A number of surnames dominate and many descendants still live in the village.

“The project has ensured their stories will be known to future generations and also new residents living in Middleton.”

A total of 40 men from Middleton died during the First World War. With a population of 980 in 1911, this was a high percentage.

The heaviest casualties were in 1917 when 14 lost their lives.

To accompany the book, the research has been summarised on interpretation panels, which are placed near the new memorial on the village green.

Display banners are currently being exhibited at Carsington Water visitor centre and will be displayed at other local venues in the coming months.

The council hopes this book will encourage others to explore and build on this research. Copies are available at a cost of £10.

Information from the book will be placed on the parish council website and will be added to when new materials come to light.

Research will be archived at the Derbyshire Record Office.