Farming in Littleover

Littleover Historical Society - 14th March 2025

As we walk or drive around Littleover today, we don't see many cows; in 1865 it would have been very different. Littleover was very rural with many farms, not all having livestock, but many did. Many of you will of course have seen the photographs of Albert Lane driving his cows up the Hollow on his way back to his farm. The cattle plague of 1865-1867 was the most severe ever recorded in Derbyshire, caused mainly by drought conditions making the cattle population weak. It was thought that this particular outbreak had been caused by cattle being imported in to the country. Justices of the peace were given the power to close down markets and fairs where farmers mainly traded. This must have been a very anxious time for both farmers, who relied on providing milk, cheese and beef, and the shortages of the populace. This sounds so very familiar to the foot and mouth outbreaks of 1967 and 2001 and proves just how precarious farming is, both then and now.

14th March - we next meet at l0am at Littleover Grange Hall Community Centre, Park Lane. Visitors welcome, join us for a chat and refreshments.