# Harby, Leicestershire

Harby is an English village and a former civil parish, now in the parish of Clawson, Hose and Harby, in the Melton district, in the county of Leicestershire. It lies in the Vale of Belvoir, 9.4 miles (15.1 km) north of Melton Mowbray and 13.9 miles (22.4 km) west-south-west of Grantham. Although in Leicestershire, the county town of Leicester is further – 21.4 miles (34.4 km) – than Nottingham – 15.7 miles (25.3 km). The village lies on the south side of the Grantham Canal. Belvoir Castle, 6 miles (9.7 km) to the north-east, is conspicuous on the horizon.

## Location and governance

The population in 2001/2002 was listed as 864 individuals, with 698 on the electoral register and 376 houses. This increased at the 2011 census to 931 and was estimated in 2016 to be 877.
Harby is in the Rutland and Melton constituency; the current MP is the Conservative Alicia Kearns. It shares its civil parish council with Long Clawson and Hose. In local government it comes under Melton Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council.
There are similarly named villages: Harby in Nottinghamshire, Hårby in Denmark and in Sweden.

## History

Old names for the village include Hereby, Herdby, Hedeby, and Harteby. The first element "Har" either derives from the old Scandinavian "hiorth" meaning herd, flock, or the old Norse personal name "Herrothr", found in old Danish as "Heroth". The second element is the old Scandinavian "by", meaning a village or homestead.
The Domesday book of 1086 listed Harby as in the possession of Robert de Stafford:
   Robert de Tosny. He owned 17 carucates of land at Harby. In the time of Edward the Confessor it was 14 ploughs. Three of these carucates were held directly by Robert with 8 slaves. 13 of the ploughs were leased to 24 freemen, 7 villagers and 3 smallholders. There were meadows measuring 5 furlongs long and 5 furlongs wide. This land now brought in £5 a year; it used to be £4. Robert de Bucy owns 1 carucute of land at Harby and leases it to Gerard. The land takes 1 plough to work it. Gerard sub-leases it to 2 freeman and 3 smallholders. Its value is 5 shillings.
In 1622 William Burton described in his book The Description of Leicester Shire (page 127).
   "Harby, in olde deedes written Herdeby in the Hundred of Framland, standing in the Vale of Bever upon the border of Nottinghamshire. In the 20. yeere of Edward the third, William Lord Ros, and John de Oreby held lands heere. In the 44. yeere of Edward the third, Roger Delaware was Lord of this Mannor. In the 25. of Henry the eight the Lord Delaware was Lord of this Mannor as it appeareth by an Inquisition taken after the death of Sir John Digby Knight, in the said 25.yeere of Henry the eight, where it was found that the said Sir John Digby held 4. messuages (with the appurtenances in Harby) of the said Lord Delaware, as of his Mannor of Harby. In this Towne was borne Jeffrey de Hardby a famous Dvuine, brought up in Oxford, and after became one of the Canons of the Abbey of Leicester; from whence he came to be Confessor to King Edward the third, and was by him made one of his Privy Council of state. He wrote many books of special note in Divinity, and died in London, and was buried in the Austin Fryers. Here also was borne Robert de Hardby, a Frier Carmelite in Lincolne, who wrote something in praise of the saide Order, and lived 1450. Ecclesia de Herdeby Patronus Willimus de Albaniaco persona Mr.Robertus institutes per Hug.nunc Episcopum Lincoln. The new Patron of this Church is Francis Earle of Rutland. This Rectory is valued in the King's books at 20 pounds."
In 1815 John Nichols described Harby in his book The History and Antiquities of the County of Leicestershire.
   "Harby... is destitute of woods and streams; no high road leads through or beside it. A heavy clay spreads over every acre in the parish and the uniform operations of husbandry give a sameness to the country, which a stranger might view with disgust; but cultivation has made it fruitful.... Industry here makes the prospect, and the product alone is the beauty of the soil. There are about 1800 acres in the parish; and, whilst the field continued open, the method of tillage was, first-year fallow; second, barley and wheat; third, beans and pease. The families of Harby are 60, its inhabitants 322, among whom are many small freeholders. There is no mansion or ancient building in the village; but the present rector has lately built a neat and convenient house...."
In 1831 the Reverend John Curtis described Harby in his book, A Topographical History of the County of Leicester.
   Harby, Herdebi, Hertebi
   In 1535 the Rectory was valued at £201. The parish was inclosed in 1790.
   At the general survey in 1086, Robert de Todenei (Robert de Todeni) held 17 carucates, 3 ploughs were in the demesne; 8 bondmen, 24 socmen, 7 villans and 3 bordars, had 13 ploughs; there was a meadow 200 perches long and 160 broads. Gerard held under Robert de Buci 1 carucate, the land was equal to 1 plough, which was held by 3 bordars and 2 socmen. In 1297 Lambert de Tryckenham held 2 Virgates. In 1302 Robert Tateshall held half a fee. In 1343 William Ros, of Hamlake, held a fee.
   In 1363 Margery Ros held a fee and the advowson.
   In 1370 Roger le Warre and Alianora, his wife, held the manor. In 1391 Simon Pakeman and Agnes, his wife held 12 messuages. In 1394 Maria, wife of John de Ros held one-eighth of a fee. In 1396 Robert Hauberk, an outlaw, held 1 messuage and 7 bovates.
   In 1412 John West held the manor. In 1416 Thomas West held the manor. In 1427 Sir Reginald West, Lord Delawarre, held it. In 1450 Reginald West held it. Edward IV. granted lands here to William Hastings, and in 1481 he held lands and messuage and Gracedieu Priory held lands.
   In 1552 William Brabazon held half the manor.
   In 1642 Andrew Collins held it, whose family sold it to the Earl of Rutland.
In 1931 the parish had a population of 608. On 1 April 1936 the civil parish was merged with Hose and Long Clawson to form "Clawson and Harby", which is now called Clawson, Hose and Harby.

## Primary school

Harby Church of England Primary School began as a church school founded by the National Society for Promoting Religious Education. It opened under the Rector, William Evans Hartopp, in about 1827, on land donated by John Manners, 5th Duke of Rutland.
A new school building opened on 25 March 1861, probably on the site of a village green, under a church committee headed by Rev. Manners Octavius Norman, at a cost of £861 3s 4d. The surveyors and architects were Bellamy and Hardy of Lincoln. It had two main teaching classrooms, a large kitchen, toilets to the rear, and accommodation for the teacher consisting of a downstairs study and three upper rooms. The first headmaster was Henry Major. The county council took over management on 1 July 1903.
Originally there was a bell tower above the front door, of which only the base remains intact. A swan (as an emblem of the school) and a book are carved on either side of the base. In 1976 the school was extended with three new open-plan classroom areas. One old schoolroom was converted into a studio and TV room. A new kitchen was built at the rear and a boiler house in the style of the old school added.
A letter from Nick Gibb MP, Minister of State for School Standards, sent in February 2018, states that the school was in the top 1 per cent of primary schools in England for attainment in reading and writing, based in 2017 KS2 results. The school has just under 100 pupils aged 4 to 11. Harby Pre-School has closed. However, the latest full Ofsted report in March 2019 was critical in some respects.
The Friends of Harby School support school activities and organise the Belvoir Challenge, an annual 26- or 15-mile cross-country race with a limit of 1200 participants.

## Methodist chapel

Methodists had begun to hold services from 1769 in their homes, and then in an old coach house given by William Orson for chapel conversion in April 1828. By 1847 the Wesleyan congregation had outgrown the coach house, which was replaced by a chapel built on Orson's land. The foundation stone was laid by C. H. Clark, a Nottingham solicitor, and opening sermons were preached by Rev. John Rattenbury and Rev. James Everett. In 1874 it was refurbished.
In 1926 a new two-manual pipe organ by E. Wragg & Son of Nottingham was installed at a cost of £210, but it was removed when the chapel was modernised for its current use by the Vale Christian Fellowship.

## Parish church

The Parish church at Harby is dedicated to St Mary the Virgin.
The earliest church on the site was probably made of wood, of which there is evidence in the west wall of the nave. The earliest written notice appears in the records of the Bishop of Lincoln, recording a priest at Harby in 1220 called Robert. In the 13th century, the present stone tower was built at the west end of the nave and the wooden nave and chancel were rebuilt in stone. The nave was widened, so that its walls joined the tower at the west end, on the outer edges of the tower buttresses.
The chancel roof was raised in about 1350 and new windows were added.
The first window in the north wall of the chancel nearest to the nave has three panes showing the letter W or VV. It stands for "Virgo virginum", "virgin of virgins" for the dedication of the church to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This is the only stained glass in the building. We do not know if this is left from Mediaeval times when all other stained glass was deliberately removed, or dates from after the Reformation in 1539.
A Victorian restoration took place in 1874–1876, the flagstone flooring being replaced by tiles. New pews in the chancel were decorated in the Gothic style. In 1874 the roof was renewed. In 1903, a vestry was built and the organ was placed to face into the chancel. The font was moved again to the east end of the north aisle.
On the wall above the arch at the east end of the nave are four panels. The middle two are wooden boards. One has the coat of arms of George II (reigned 1727–1760). The board above bears the inscription "Fear God, Honour the King". The other two panels show the ten commandments on canvas in wooden frames.
On 29 May 1839 William Aubrey de Vere Beauclerk, 9th Duke of St Albans (1801–1849) married Elizabeth Catherine Gubbins, the daughter of Maj. Gen. Joseph Gubbins (1785–1817). As a celebration, he donated to the church a new clock, a bible, a prayer book, and £30 with the rector to be invested for the poor. This marriage was held at Harby because Elizabeth Catherine Gubbins was the first cousin to Eliza Georgiana Gubbins who was the first wife of the Rector William Evens Hartopp. Eliza Georgiana Gubbins father was George Stamer Gubbins of Kilfrush, Co. Limerick. His brother was Maj. Gen. Joseph Gubbins of Kilfrush. His daughter was Elizabeth Catherine Gubbins.
Harby Church became a Grade II* listed building in 1968.

### Bells

There are five bells in the tower dating from as early as 1610.
| Bell | Weight | Note | Diameter | Cast | Founder | Inscription |
| 1 | 4–2–21 | D# | 27.88" | 1887 | John Taylor & Co | "JUBILEE 1887. GOD SAVE THE QUEEN" "CHRIST REIGNETH EVER" E. HALL. T. FRECK, WARDENS" It cost £186 when cast and commemorates the Golden Jubilee of Queen Victoria. |
| 2 | 4–3–7 | C# | 29.25" | 1610 | Henry II Oldfield | "JESUS BE OUR SPEED" This was the pancake bell, rung at 11 a. m. on Shrove Tuesday to remind housewives to prepare the pancake mixture. |
| 3 | 5–0–9 | B# | 30.75" | 1610 | Henry II Oldfield | "GOD SAVE THE CHURCH" |
| 4 | 7–2–0 | A# | 34.25" | 1701 | William Noone | "GOD SAVE HIS CHURCH" R. WHITTLE, I. BROOKBANK, WARDENS |
| 5 | 8–2–16 | G# | 37.75" | 1614 | Henry II Oldfield | "GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH". The tenor or passing bell, rung to record a death is the heaviest in the tower. |

### Pipe organ

The organ in Harby parish church as listed on the National Pipe Organ Register.
Built by Thomas Elliot and installed at Gedling Parish Church, Nottinghamshire by Elliot's foreman Alexander Buckingham in 1808. The organ was built at Thomas Elliot's works in Tottenham Court Road, London.
It was removed from Gedling at a cost of more than £80 and transported to Harby in 1874, where it was first installed at an additional cost of £11 in the northeast corner of the north aisle, where the font stands now. When a new vestry was built in 1903, the organ was moved to face north into the chancel choir.
The organ has been maintained by Hawkins, organ builders of Walsall, West Midlands, who were initially requested to quote for an electric blower in 1945. Thereafter they overhauled and cleaned the organ in 1956 and 1975.
In 2025 the Elliot pipe organ was awarded a Historic Organ Certificate - Grade II. This is endorsed by BIOS - The British Institute of Organ Studies. This will ensure the safe keeping of the organ as a Historic instrument and will enhance any further campaign to restore the organ for the future.

### Font

The font is from the Decorated period and presumably stood in the pre-Reformation position by the front door, in line with Catholic practice. The date 1606 may indicate when it was moved. After the Reformation, the font was moved again into the centre of the church and remained there until 1834. The font now stands in the northeast corner of the north aisle where the organ sat before the vestry was built in 1901.

### Parish registers

The parchment skins of an early volume of Harby Parish Registers, long lost, are said to have been unstitched and wrapped around the trunk and limbs of the corpse of Anne Adcock, and so buried by her grandson, John Adcock, a man of eccentric character, in December 1776. Some transcripts exist at Lincoln for the years 1604, 1606 to 1609 and 1618; and at Leicester for 1581, 1612–1613, 1617, 1621, 1625–1629, 1632–1634, 1636–1638, 1661–1663, 1670, 1672, 1674–1683, 1685, 1687–1688, 1690–1691 and 1694–1700.

### Incumbents

| Year | Name | Position | Alma mater | notes |
| 1220 | Robert | Instituted by Hugh of Wells Bishop of Lincoln Rector Harby, Leicestershire | | Patron: William de albini II |
| 1235 | William de Herdeby | Chaplain of Harby Leicestershire | | Patron: William de albini III Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing available |
| 1251–1275 | Thomas de Bathon | Subdeacon | | Patron: Robert Lord Ros Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing available |
| 1275 | Lambert de Trikingham | Subdeacon | | Patron: Robert Lord Ros Lambert de Trinkinham is of a gentleman estimated to have been born between 1261 and Died 1280 at Threekingham, Lincolnshire. He was made Sir. There are life stone effigies of Lambert de Trikingham and his wife at St Peter's Church, Threekingham, Lincolnshire. In 1831 the Reverend John Curtis described Harby in "A Topographical History of the County of Leicester", Lambert de Trinkinham as owning 2 Virgates He may have been the advowson. Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing as Priest. |
| 1298 | William de Keln | | | Patron: William Lord Ros I Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing for William de Keln. However a Listing for William de Kelm as Priest of Harby, Nottinghamshire was present at the death of Queen Eleanor wife of Edward I By 13 November the Queen's health was obviously failing and the court left Clipstone heading for Lincoln, possibly intending to visit the shrine of St Hugh to pray for her recovery. However, on 20 November Eleanor was brought to the manor house of Richard de Weston in Harby (Notts) suffering from a “slow fever” and in the ensuing days her health deteriorated rapidly. The local priest, William de Kelm, and the Bishop of Lincoln, Oliver Sutton, were at her deathbed when she died during the evening of 28 November 1290. |
| 1336 | Gilbert | Rector (ecclesiastical) | | Patron: William Lord Ros I Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing available |
| 1343 | John de Langtoft | Rector of West Hanningfield 1334 Rector of Walton, Lincolnshire 1336 Rector of Eriswell, Suffolk 1337 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire King's clerk by 1338 Protection on going overseas on the king's service granted 1338 A keeper of the temporalities of the see of Canterbury sede vacante 1348 | Warden of the king's scholars, app.1331 | Born: about 1262 In 1343, Master John de Langetoft, parson of the church of Herdeby filed a complaint that Robert, son of Simon Hauberk of Scladeford, Germanus (Gervas) son of Simon Hauberk of Scaldeford and others broke his close and houses at Herdeby, assaulted and imprisoned him, and carried away his goods after assaulting his men and servant. Siblings: Robert Died: 1360 |
| 1373 | Nicholas | | | Patron: Thomas Lord Ros Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing available |
| 1468 | William Reynolds | | | Patron: William Lord Hastings Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing available |
| | John | | | Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. No further listing is available |
| 1526–1536 | Robert Carleton | Ordained: 19 February 1502 Vicar of Foulden, Norfolk 3 February 1503 – 1508 Rector of Roos, Yorkshire 2 June 1508 – February 1529 Rector of Wilsthorpe, Lincolnshire 10 May 1513 Rector of Westmill, Hertfordshire 25 July 1518 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | Gonville Hall College, Cambridge | or Robert Carlton Born: 1404 perhaps in Norwich There are frequent examples of the sequestration of the fruits of a benefice because the incumbent disobeyed. In 1528 the rectory at Narborough was in ruins, so the incumbent must have been absent, therefore the fruits of the living were sequestered. Twenty-nine of these men were then, as Mrs Bowker puts it "pure pluralists”. It was amongst this group that the desire for financial gain was most blatant. Livings, when combined, could produce a considerable sum. Master Robert Carleton besides being rector of Harby and of Westmill, Herefordshire, which brought him a clear 630 when he had paid his curates, was also rector of Roos in Yorkshire. Died: 1600 |
| 1539 | ++++++++ | English Reformation | by Henry VIII | reaches Melton Mowbray and Belvoir Priory |
| 1548-1557 | William Leigh | Ordained: Rector by Henry Holbeach Lincoln Rector Harby, Leicestershire | | Also listed as William Leighe |
| 1557-1558 | Simon Kellam | Ordained: Rector By Henry Holbeach, Lincoln Rector of Somerby, Leicestershire 1551 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector Of Waltham on the Wolds 19 March 1559-16 March 1564 Rector of Ropsley, Lincolnshire 6 March 1565 – 30 November 1575 | | Also listed as Simonis Killam Died: 30 November 1575 Ropsley, Lincolnshire |
| 1558- 1596 | Richard Thorpe | Ordained by Nicholas Bullingham at Lincoln 22 September 1565 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | | Also listed as Richardus Thorpe |
| 1570 | George Benett | | | Patron: Henry Manners, 2nd Earl of Rutland |
| 1596–1616 | Robert Snoden | Ordained: Deacon and Priest (Lincoln) 21 February 1588/9 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Hickling, Nottinghamshire 1598–1616 Prebendary of Southwell, Nottinghamshire 1599–1616 Chaplain to James I in 1614 Bishop of Carlisle, Cumberland 1616–1621 | Sizar at Christ's College,Cambridge May 1580 BA 1582/3 MA 1586 BD 1593 DD 1598 Fellow, 1589–1599 | Also Listed as Robertus Buoden Born: about 1562 Parent: third son of Ralph Snoden of Mansfield Woodhouse, Nottinghamshire Siblings: Richard Snoden 1575 Issue: Rutland Snoden 1615 Died: London, 15 May 1621 |
| 1601 | John Bragg | Ordained by William Chaderton Bishop of Lincoln Curate Harby, Leicestershire from 13 October 1601 | | Possible listing mistake with John Bugg listed 1738 |
| 1613 | John White | Rector of Goadby, Leicestershire 1613-39 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Vicar of Norton-by-Galby, King's Norton Leicestershire 1626 | Pembroke College, Oxford April 1 606 B.A. January 1610 M.A. | Born: about 1587 Married: Licence (Lincoln) 30 January 1617 (age 30), to marry Katherine Rudd of Stathern, Leicestershire John Whyte & Catherine Rudd Married on 4 February 1617. Reverend Roger Rudd was Rector of Stathern and father of Catherine Died: 1639 |
| 1613 | George Ormerod | Ordained: Deacon Peterborough 20 September 1612 Priest 20 December 1612 Curate of Harby, Leicestershire | Trinity College, Cambridge BA 1611/2 | Born: about 1590 Died:1688 |
| 1647 - 1666 | Thomas Dalby (Daffy) | Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Redmile, Leicestershire 1666-1680 | | Patron John Manners, 1st Duke of Rutland Is listed as Thomas Dalby by John Nichols. Was this a mistake or a cover-up for the puritanical Duchess of Rutland who in 1666 had Thomas Daffy demoted to the poorer parish of Redmile, Leicestershire? The listing for Thomas Dalby on the Clergy of the Church of England database lists Thomas Dalby as a school teacher at Belton, Lincolnshire while Thomas Daffy is listed only as Rector of Redmile, Leicestershire. More intriguing is that Thomas Daffy is listed as having been ordained by Thomas Fulwar of Ardfert Abbey, County Kerry, Ireland 5 July 1660. Thomas Daffy was the inventor of Daffy's Elixir |
| 1659 | William Stevens | Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Sutton, Bedfordshire 1666-1672 | School: Honnington, Lincolnshire sizar age 17 at Magdalene College, Oxford B.A. 1653/4 M.A.1657 | Born: About 1633 Parent: William Stevens, Gentleman of Barkston, Lincolnshire Died: about 1721 Buried at Sutton, Bedfordshire In Oxford information was listed as perhaps and possibly for both Rector positions. Was included in original John Nichols (printer) listing. |
| 1662 | Daniel Pepys | Ordained Deacon by Robert Sanderson Bishop of Lincoln 6 April 1660 Priest 10 April 1661 Curate of Harby, Leicestershire Vicar of Bisbrooke, Leicestershire 1678 | Sizar aged 16 at Peterhouse College, Cambridge B.A. 1656-7 | Born: about 1632 Norfolk Parents: Son of Richard Pepys 1602 Siblings: Brother of Samuel 1639-40 (not the diarist Samuel Pepys but both are distant relatives) Married: Elizabeth Todd 27 January 1678 in Bisbrooke, Rutland, England Died: 1691 aged about 59 Buried at Bisbrooke, Leicestershire |
| 1660–1703 | Anthony Harwood | Rector of Barnoldby, Lincolnshire 1642 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Corby, Northamptonshire 1660 Prebendary of Lincoln, Lincolnshire 1660-1703 | School: Uppingham, Rutland sizar aged 15 at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge B.A. 1634/5 M.A. 1638 Created B.D. at Oxford 1642 Chaplain in the Royal Army 1643 | Born: about 1614 Parents: Son of Henry Harwood Gentleman of Uppingham, Rutland Married: Marriage bond 11 July 1642 to Mary Andrews spinster of Nottingham Charged with popish practices 1644 Died 12 May 1703 aged 89 Monumental Inscription at St John's Corby, Northamptonshire |
| 1638–1698 | Richardus Johnson | Instituted by William Laud Archbishop of Canterbury, Kent 5 June 1638 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Sheepy with Ratcliffe Culey, Leicestershire 1639 - 1679 | | |
| 1680 | Edvardus Browne | Ordained: 16 March 1679 Deacon by Thomas Barlow Bishop, Lincoln Priest 6 June 1680 by Thomas Barlow Bishop, Lincoln Curate of Sysonby Chappel, Leicestershire 1679 Curate of Harby, Leicestershire | | |
| 1687 | Laur. Howell, (Laurentius) | Ordained: Deacon: 25 September 1687 by Thomas Barlow Bishop, Lincoln Listed as Preacher (appt. Licensing) Harby, Leicestershire | | |
| 1688 | Gul Lewis (William) | Ordained: 11 3 1688 by Thomas Barlow Bishop, Lincoln Listed as Preacher and Curate (appt. Licensing) Harby, Leicestershire | | |
| 1692 | Robert Peete | Ordained: Deacon 26 May 1689 by Thomas Barlow Bishop of Lincoln Ordained: Priest 22 May 1692 by Thomas Tenison Bishop of Lincoln Preacher at Sedgebrook with East Allington, East Allington chapel, Totnes 27 May 1689 Preacher at Harby, Leicestershire | | |
| 1701-1703 | Johannes Vincent | Ordained: Deacon by James Gardiner Bishop of Lincoln 21 September 1701 Ordained: Priest by James Gardiner Bishop of Lincoln 14 March 1703 Deacon of Harby, Leicestershire Curate Harby, Leicestershire 15 March 1703 Curate Plungar, Leicestershire 15 March 1703 Vicar of Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire 28 July 1703 – 15 February 1714 Rector of Barkston, Nottinghamshire 22 April 1713 – 15 October 1713 | Emmanuel College, Cambridge BA | Died: 15 February 1714 |
| 1703–1739 | John Major | Ordained: Deacon York September 1694 Priest July 1696 Chaplain to the Earl of Rutland Vicar of Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire, 1702–1703 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Tollerton, Nottinghamshire 1729-38 | School: Worksop, Nottinghamshire Christ's College, Cambridge 11 December 1690 age 19 B.A. 1692/3 M.A. 1729 | Patron: John Manners, 1st Duke of Rutland Born: at Whitwell (or Holme) Derbyshire Parents: Robert Major Husbandman Married: Mary Trussel of Belvoir, 29 September 1704 at Harby Monument inscription in Parish Church: from John Nichols (printer) In this Chancel, on a flat grey stone, cut round with a deep channel by way of border, is inscribed: "Here Lieth the body of Mrs Mary Major, the wife of Mr John Major, rector of this parish. She departed this life 21st day of May, in the year of our lord 1707." On a blue plain stone adjoining, the following simple, but high encomium: "Here lieth interred the body of Mr John Major, A.M., late rector of this parish who led an exemplary, friendly and hospitable life among his parishioners for 35 years. He died on June 4, 1739, aged 67." Died: Died: 4 June 1739 Buried at Harby Leicestershire Buried: Chancel crypt, Harby, Leicestershire |
| 1738 | John Bugg | Ordained by William Chaderton Bishop of Lincoln Curate Harby, Leicestershire | | Possible mistake with John Bragg listed as Curate in 1601 |
| 1739–1741 | William Turvile | Ordained: Deacon (London) 25 September 1726 Vicar of Claxton, Leicestershire 1729-39 now Long Clawson Rector of Harby, Leicestershire 1739-40 Chaplain to the Duke of Rutland | Emmanuel College, Cambridge B.A. 1721/2 M.A. 1725 Incorporporated at Oxford University 1737 | Patron: Lord William Manners for this time Born: 1 July 1701 Middlesex Parents: Probable Son of George Turvile of Bromley, Middlesex Siblings: Probable brother of George Turvile 1713 Died: 21 January 1740 Buried at Long Clawson, Leicestershire |
| 1741–1749 | Samuel Kerchevall | Ordained: Deacon Lincoln 9 March 1717 Priest 22 June 1718 Vicar of Little Dalby, Leicestershire 1718-1741 Rector of Cold Overton, Leicestershire 1732-1749 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | School: School Grantham, Lincolnshire St John's College, Cambridge BA 1719 | Patron: John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland Born: about 1693 - Orstone, Nottinghamshire Parents: Son of John Kerchevall, Gemtalman Died: 14 February 1749 |
| 1749–1751 | Richard Stevens | Ordained: Deacon, Lincoln 22 February 1741 Priest York 6 March 1748 Rector of Weston, Nottinghamshire 1748 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rector of Bottesford Leicestershire 1752-71 Prebendary of Lincoln, Lincolnshire 1767-71 | School: Grantham, Lincolnshire St John's College, Cambridge B.A. 1739 M.A. 1749 | Patron: John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland Born: about 1718 Grantham, Lincolnshire Parents: Son of Thomas Stevens Grocer of Grantham, Lincolnshire Died: 13 March 1771 aged 53 Buried at Grantham, Lincolnshire |
| 1751 | Richard Stoup | Ordained Curate by Frederick Cornwallis Archbishop or Canterbury, Kent Ordained Priest 2 June 1751 by John Thomas Bishop of Lincoln Curate of Harby, Leicestershire 3 June 1751 – 14 March 1755 Vicar of Barkestone, Leicestershire 14 March 1755 – 7 July 1788 Rector of Harston, Leicestershire 17 May 1762 – 14 March 1789 Rector of Woolsthorpe with Stainworth, Lincolnshire 7 December 1786 – 30 October 1788 Rector of Knipton, Leicestershire 16 November 1786 – 25 June 1788 Vicar Of Scalford, Leicestershire 19 May 1787 – 19 May 1787 | Admission to Lambeth degree 29 May 1775 | |
| 1751–1763 | William Cant | Ordained: Deacon, Lincoln 20 September 1730 Priest 24 September 1732 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Vicar of Somercotes, Lincolnshire | Sizar at Queens' College, Cambridge May 1725 B.A. 1728/9 M.A. 1734 | Patron: John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland Born: about 1707 Justice of the Peace for Leicestershire issue: John Cant 1740-1781 Rector if Knaptoft Leicestershire and owner of the Wartnaby Estate, Leicesrtershire William Cant 1734-1789 Curate of Saxelby, Leicestershire 1734 and Rector of Kirk Langley, Derbyshire 1768-1789 |
| 1792–1813 | Daniel Wagstaff | 1803–1841 Curate (appt. Licensing) Harby, Leicestershire Eastwell, Leicestershire Goadby Marwood, Leicestershire Scalford, Leicestershire | School: Newcastle-on-Tyne School, Northumberland Lincoln College, Oxford BA 1791 | Born: 1769 Parents: Josiah WAGSTAFF of Middleton-in-Teesdale, Co. Durham Died: 17 December 1841 aged 74 |
| 1763–1804 | Bennet Storer | Ordained deacon (Lincoln), 24 September 1749 Ordained priest 2 December 1750 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Prebendary of the Cathedral and Metropolitan Church of Christ Canterbury, Kent 1769–1804 | School: Grantham, Lincolnshire Trinity College, Cambridge BA 1748/9 MA 1763 | Born: 1726 Parents: Francis Storer Vicar of St Mary Magdalene's Church, Stapleford, Leicestershire Baptised there 21 November 1726 Had the misfortune to kill a man in self-defence while in lodgings at the Swan public house at Westminster Bridge; tried at the Old Bailey, London on 17 January 1777 and honourably acquitted. Died: 9 July 1804 aged 78 Will held at The National Archives (United Kingdom)PROB 11/1404/82 |
| 1804–1826 | Thomas Norris | Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | Trinity College, Cambridge BA | Patron: John Manners, 3rd Duke of Rutland Born: 1772 Baptized: 20 March 1772 at St Wulfram's Church, Grantham, Lincolnshire Married: Sarah Elye Towne on 21 December 1809 Bottesford Church, Leicestershire. Sarah's father was the Reverend Leonard Elye Towne of Utterby, Lincolnshire Issue: Sarah Eyle Norris 1813, John Eyle Norris 1816, Frances Elizabeth Norris 1819, William Norris 1824 Died: Parish Rectory, Harby, Leicestershire |
| 1826–1852 | William Evans Hartopp | Vicar of Thurnby with Stoughton, Leicestershire, 1820- vacant 1832 Rector of Gt Kington, Dorset 1825–26 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | School: Sonning Hill, Sonning, Berkshire Trinity College, Cambridge. BA 1817, MA 1831 | Born: Old Dalby, Leicestershire. on 30 October 1793 Parents: Edward Hartopp-Wigley Hon. Juliana Evans 1760 – 20 May 1807 daughter of George Evans, 3rd Baron Carbery Married: (1st) Eliza Georgiana Gubbins, died 15 February 1848 aged 51 years – daughter of George Stamer Gubbins of Kilfrush, Co. Limerick Issue: Edward Samuel Evans Hartopp Edward Hartopp (cricketer) 7 September 1820 – 5 October 1894 Married: (2nd) Eliza Manners, daughter of Rev. E. Manners of Goadby Marwood, Leicestershire Died: 2 October 1852 at Parish Rectory, Harby, Leicestershire |
| 1852–1899 | Manners Octavius Norman | Ordained deacon, Peterborough, 1844 Ordained priest, 1845 Rector of Croxton-Kerrial, Leicestershire 1846–1853 Rector of Harby Leicestershire Rural Dean Framland III Deanery 1872–1885 | School: Rugby School Rugby, Warwickshire Corpus Christi College, Cambridge BA 1845 | Born: Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire 5 March 1818 Parents: Richard Norman 1758–1847 Lady Elizabeth Isabella Manners 1976–1853 Married: Charlotte Elizabeth Ralph, born 1828 Cork, Ireland Issue: James Richard Norman 1868–1927 The memorial inscription reads: In memory of the Revd. Manners Octavius NORMAN, born March 5. 1818. Died May 28. 1899. 46 years rector of Harby from 1853 to 1899. rural dean, Framland III Deanery, 1872 to 1885. Opera fecit. New schools & house costing £1000. Church & chancel restored costing £1875. Organ £81. Bells re-hung & a new Queen Victoria's Jubilee bell added 1887 costing £166. This tablet was placed here by parishioners and friends. His first text at Harby St Luke 24.44. Died: 28 May 1899 at Parish Rectory, Harby, Leicestershire |
| 1899–1925 | Edward Henry Stone | Ordained: Deacon in 1889 Rector of Bottesford 1890 1894 Rector of St Barnabas, Kensington Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | | Born: 1860 Was at sea as a boy. Married: Life bachelor Died: 10 January 1925 at Parish Rectory, Harby, Leicestershire. Buried in Parish Churchyard, Harby, Leicestershire. |
| 1926–1946 | Arthur Evelyn Furnival | Rector | Exeter College, Oxford BA | |
| 1946–1949 | William Paul Watkins | Acting curate at St Peter's, Maidstone, Kent Chaplain to Eastern Command Forces in 1940 Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | Lincoln College, Oxford BA | He was mentioned in despatches while serving in Africa and Italy Some of the church's achievements during his incumbency at Harby has been the levelling and grassing of the new churchyard, the passing of Harby's target of £300 for the Leicester Diocesan Appeal fund (it stood at £10 when he arrived), and for Harby's 15th-century church— St Mary's, a new window, a credence table, new hymn and prayer books. The church's heating system was repaired. |
| 1949–1959 | Alfred Cuthbert Holden | Rector of Oaks-in-Charnwood, Leicestershire Rector of Harby, Leicestershire, | University of St Andrews, Scotland MA | |
| 1959–1961 | Charles Brian Underwood | Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | University of Leeds BA | |
| 1961–1963 | Joseph Henry Dransfield | Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | | Not listed in Crockford's Clerical Directory Born: 14 March 1893 Heaton Norris, Lancashire Death: 10 December 1963 Leicester, Leicestershire |
| 1964–1974 | Ieuan Delvin Powell | Rector of Harby, Leicestershire | University of Wales BA | |
| 1975–1977 | John Sydney Savige | Priest-in-charge Rector of Harby, Leicestershire Rural Dean Framland III Deanery 1977 - 1989 | | Patron: Charles Manners, 10th Duke of Rutland Born: Leicester, Leicestershire, England on 18 Oct 1924 to Thomas Sydney Savige and Margaret Frances Benner. Married: Freda Amy Lacey. Died: 7 Jul 1997 in Eastbourne, Sussex, England. |
| 1990–1994 | Simon Bailey | Ordained Deacon 1983 (Ripon) and Priest 1984 (Ripon) Team Rector (Harby, Hose and Long Clawson) | MusB Hons., Manchester University; PGCE, Cambridge University; BCombStuds., Nottingham University (Lincoln Theological College) | Patron: Charles Manners, 10th Duke of Rutland (Harby). Born: 1956 in West Dorset. Married: Jane Elizabeth Lees 1985. Issue: Rebecca and Sarah (born in Melton Mowbray). Played cricket for Belvoir CC and Lincs Gents; Country member at Nottinghamshire County CC. Formed the Vale Choir with Colin Newel. With parishioners, founded the Fellowship Lunches that ran for many years in all three villages. More often than not, rode his bicycle between the three village churches. After an incumbency in Woodhall, Pudsey, in the Diocese of Bradford, the family migrated to Australia in 2003. |
| 1994–1998 | Mark Turner | Curate of Harby Leicestershire | Sarum and Wells Theological College, Salisbury | |
| 1994–1998 | Geoffrey Spencer | Priest-in-charge | Nottingham University, Nottingham | |
| 1997–1999 | David Francis Mills | Curate of Harby, Leicestershire | Oak Hill Theological College, London | |
| 2000 | +++ | +++++ | +++++ | Formal Team of churches [Long Clawson, Hose, Harby, Stathern Plunger and Bottesford] officially came into effect |
| 1999–2008 | Robin Duncan Stapleford | Ordained at Leicester Cathedral in 1996 Curate of Evington Leicester Team Rector based at Harby | St John's College, Nottingham | moved back to Norfolk now Rector with Diocese of Norwich Charles Anthony Bradshaw as Rural dean at Bottesford |
| 2002–2005 | Stephen Patrick James Burnham | Curate | Christ Church, Oxford | |
| 2005–2009 | Stuart Jack Foster | Priest-in-charge | Oak Hill Theological College | |
| 2009-2017 | Frederick Philip Richard John Connell | Team Vicar | St John's College, Nottingham | |
| 2017-2021 | James (Jamie) Hugh Mackay | Priest in Charge (Rector Designate) | | From 23 March 2017 |
| 2021 | ++++++ | Conventional District of Harby Formation | ++++++ | The Conventional District of Harby was created in 2021 (its boundary to be contiguous with the Ecclesiastical Parish of Harby) to remove Harby (temporarily) from the Benefice of 6 parishes created in 2000 and to allow an independent incumbent to hold office within the District. It is intended that the role will develop new missional and ministry initiatives. |
| 2021 - Onwards | Paul Robert Towns | Ordained Deacon, 2 July 2017, by Martyn Snow Bishop of Leicester in Leicester Cathedral Ordained Priest 30 June 2018 by Martyn Snow Bishop of Leicester in Leicester Cathedral Family Chaplain to His Grace the Duke of Rutland 2014 to 2017 Curate - Asfordby with Ab Kettleby and Holwell, Shoby with Saxelbye, Grimston and Wartnaby. 2017 to 2021 Minister in Charge of the Conventional District of Harby, Leicestershire from 5 August 2021 | Colchester Royal Grammar School Seale Hayne College (Plymouth University) 1993 B.Sc. (Hons) Agriculture Nottingham University - 2004 MA. Theology Westcott House Theological College, Cambridge 2015-2017 Cambridge University 2017 P.G. Dip. Theology | Patron: David Manners, 11th Duke of Rutland Born: Myland, Colchester, Essex Married: Helen Elizabeth (Cottle) 1997 Issue: Montgomery, Emily and Harriet Resident at Harby Hall (adjacent to Parish Church) where Paul keeps horses and sheep on the land surrounding the Church |

## Notable people

* Samuel Levis, born in Harby on 30 September 1649, son of Christopher Levis, was married on 4 May 1680 to Elizabeth Claytor. He received a Quaker certificate of removal in July 1684 and arrived in Pennsylvania by 4 November 1684. Levis died between 4 October 1728 (the date of his will) and 13 April 1734 (date of probate).
* Harby farm labourer Kemp, born in 1884, was recorded in 1956 by the University of Leeds, talking about sheep shearing, washing, dipping and the price of a fleece.

## Amenities

Harby has a post office, a village shop and a cafe, all located at the village garage in Nether Street. The nearest centre for trade, medical services and other amenities is Melton Mowbray.

## War memorial

The war memorial cross was erected in honour of the Harby soldiers and sailors who participated in the First World War.
The accepted plans were drawn up by Mr T. Burbidge and the work was entrusted to Mr S. Squires of Bingham. The height is nearly 15 ft, the lower of the two bases being 8 ft square. The stone above is 4 ft square and 2 ft in height, containing 99 names, 19 on the front face being those who were killed in action or died on service. The remaining 80 are those who enlisted from the village and survived.
Surrounding this stone is an old shaft and base from an ancient village cross, capped with a new cross suggesting what the original may have looked like, drawn by a former rector, Rev. Manners Octavius Norman. The whole, old and new, is of Portland stone. This relic of the old village cross stood originally on the village green, some yards from its present position. It was moved to the churchyard when the school was built in 1860. The arrow marks where the new cross was fitted to the old. The steel brace which joins the two parts together was made by Mr. Martin Stead, the village blacksmith."
The unveiling ceremony on the night of Thursday, 20 May 1920, was performed by the Rev. E. H. Stone, Rector, in the presence of 200 people and of the church and chapel choirs. Sixty ex-servicemen formed a guard of honour. The text runs: ERECTED BY THE PARISHIONERS IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO FOUGHT IN THE GREAT WAR 1914 – 1919. OFFERED UPON THE ALTAR OF THE NATION
| Name | Regiment | Date killed in action | Age | Commemorated / Buried | Notes |
| John William Hoyes | Leicestershire Yeomanry | 13 May 1915 | 26 | Panel 5 of the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial | Francis Arther Hoyes |
| Frederick Walter Mabbot | Leicestershire Yeomanry | 13 May 1915 | 28 | Panel 5 of the Ypres Menin Gate Memorial | Born: 1886 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: Burden Lane, Harby, Leicestershire |
| John Edgar Dewey | Northamptonshire Regiment | 3 October 1915 | 24 | Laos Memoria | Born: 1890 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: near The Post Office, Harby, Leicestershire |
| George Henry Moulds | Leicestershire Regiment | 28 January 1916 | 25 | Buried in XII.J.6 of the Amara War Cemetery | Born: Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: Stathern Lane, Harby, Leicestershire Awarded Distinguished Conduct Medal |
| Albert Edward Moulds | Rifle Brigade | 14 April 1916 | 23 | Panel 46-48 & 50 of the Ypres (Menin Gate) Memorial | Born: 1893 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: 21 Stoney Street, Beeston, Nottinghamshire |
| Herbert Hand | | 30 July 1916 | | Panel 69 to 73 of the Loos Memorial | |
| Lesley Woodford | Royal Sussex Regiment | 21 September 1916 | 23 | 1.1.4 Sucrerie Military Cemetery Colincamps | Born: 1893 Harby, Leicestershire 13 Exchange Row, Harby, Leicestershire |
| William Wright | Leicestershire Regiment | 25 September 1916 | 21 | Pier and Face 2C. & 3A. Thiepval Memorial | Born: 1895 Hose, Leicestershire Faily Home: Colston Lane, Harby, Leicestershire |
| Tom Rawlings | Royal Sussex Regiment | 17 October 1916 | 32 | Pier and Face 7.C Thiepval Memorial | Born: 1884 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: Sandy Lane, Harby, Leicestershire |
| Frank Williamson Wesson | Leicestershire Regiment | 20 April 1917 | 36 | IV.B.56, Longuenesse St Omer Souvenir Cemetery | Born: 1881 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: Burden Lane, Harby, Leicestershire |
| Jackson Smith | | 20 September 1917 | | 7-17-23-25-27-29 31, Ypres Menin Gate Memorial | |
| James Henry Hall | Queen's Own Royal West Kent Regiment | 26 October 1917 | 23 | Hooge Crater Cemetery | Born: 1894 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: The Mill, Colston Lane, Harby, Leicestershire |
| Thomas Bernard Goodson | Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) | 5 November 1917 | 19 | Panel 99 to 102 & 162 to 162A, Tyne Cot Memorial | Born: 16 August 1898 Stathern, Leicestershire Family Home: Waltham Road, Harby, Leicestershire |
| Edward Cooke | | 6 December 1917 | | Panel B, Cambrai Memorial, Louvervai | |
| Thomas Alfred Kemp | Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment (Sherwood Foresters) | 23 March 1918 | 19 | Bay 7 Arras Memorial | Born: 2 February 1899 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: 9 Exchange Row, Harby, Leicestershire |
| Francis Arther Hoyes | North Staffordshire Regiment | 6 June 1918 | 24 | Soissons Memorial | Born: 1894 Harby, Leicestershire Brother of John William Hoyes |
| Thomas Leonard Stevens | | 1 October 1918 | | A.14, Switch British Cemetery, Tjlloy-Les-Cambrai | |
| Harold W Moulds | | 1 October 1918 | | B.5, Conde-sur-l'Escaut Communal Cemetery | |
| John Thomas Bailey | Royal Garrison Artillery Section - 76th Siege Battery | 7 October 1918 | 31 | I.C.8 Noyelles-sur-L'Escaut Communal Cemetery Extension | Born: 4 October 1887 Long Clawson, Leicestershire Family Home: Harby, Leicestershire |
| William Hatton Greaves | | 3 November 1918 | | 2130 Melton Mowbray, Thorpe Road Cemetery | |
| Robert Archibald Stokes | Durham Light Infantry | 17 January 1919 | 19 | St Mary's Parish Churchyard, Harby, Leicestershire | Born: 7 June 1899 Harby, Leicestershire Family Home: Stathern Road, Harby, Leicestershire Was held captive as a prisoner of war in Germany |
After the 1939–1945 war, two names of men who did not return were carved on the base.
AND IN MEMORY OF THOSE WHO DIED IN THE 2ND WORLD WAR 1939 – 1945
| Name | Regiment | Date killed in action | Age | Commemorated / Buried | Notes |
| Akerman Charlie Dewey | Middlesex Regiment | 18 October 1943 | 20 | plot XIV. A. 37. Sangro River War Cemetery | Born: 1923 Harby Leicestershire |
| John William Mabbott (Jack) | Royal West Kent Regiment | 25 October 1944 | 33 | plot I, F, 13.Santerno Valley War Cemetery | Born: 1911 Harby Leicestershire |

## Public houses

Originally there were three:
* The Marquis of Granby stood opposite the junction of Boyers Orchard in Stathern Lane, as one of many named after John Manners, Marquess of Granby. Now a private house, it ceased trading some time between 1871 and 1881.
* The White Hart in Main Street traded opposite the Nags Head, both being managed by Home Breweries of Nottingham. It was demolished in 2005 and its site used for housing. White Hart, Harby
* The Nags Head, as the survivor, is one of the oldest buildings in the village and reputedly one of the oldest pubs in Leicestershire. It may once have been a priest house: evidence of a priest hole can be seen in one of the upper rooms. It forms one of the best examples of early timber-frame construction in the area. Nags Head, Harby

## Transport

Harby is almost equidistant at 7 miles (11 km) from the A46 between Leicester and Newark-on-Trent and the A52 trunk road between Nottingham and Grantham. It is just over 5 miles (8.0 km) from the main A607 between Leicester and Grantham. London is 126 miles (203 km) via the M1 motorway.
The village is served by the No. 24 bus between Melton Mowbray and Bottesford or Bingham.
Harby and Stathern railway station opened in 1879 and closed in 1962.
The wharf of Grantham Canal was formerly used to ship grain from the village windmill in Colston Lane, but is now closed.