The Yeomanry was a voluntary cavalry force raised from men who held and cultivated small, landed estates. These county forces came into being in the 1790s to improve the Kingdom’s defences against the threat of Napoleon Bonaparte, after the French Revolution.
“History in these Flags
Two old Yeomanry colours have just made their way back into Rutland – with which county they have historical links – and now hang in Oakham Castle, where one of them is seen in this picture.
Their story is somewhat obscure but it is understood that they were originally in Normanton Hall, home of the Heathcotes, one member of which family was responsible for the formation of the Rutland Company of the Yeomanry.
When the hall was demolished about 30 years ago they passed to the late Earl of Ancaster and were hung in the hall at Grimsthorpe Castle, until recently they were handed by the present Lord Ancaster to Lieu.-Col. J. R. Hanbury of Burley-on-the-Hill, who arranged for their preservation at Oakham.”
The Stamford Mercury, 8th February, 1957.