Joseph Elkington Bicentenary Event

Joseph Elkington, the famous agricultural drainage pioneer, was baptised in Stretton on Dunsmore in 1740 and died in 1806.

On June 12th 2006 around 50 people gathered in Stretton to celebrate his life and work. Richard Elkington from Canada, a direct descendant, unveiled a plaque outside the village hall.

Adam Moore, whose original thesis inspired the booklet, was present dressed in 18th century costume. Barbara Clutton (our curate and also a local sheep-farmer) conducted a ceremony at the Elkington memorial in the churchyard. We visited Joseph’s farmhouse in Princethorpe – including the field where he made his great discovery – and then enjoyed lunch at the Three Horseshoes.

Dr Dan Stephens, a consultant hydrogeologist from America, talked about the significance of Joseph Elkington’s work. Joseph was inspired by his discovery to devise a new method of draining wet land based on deep drilling. He applied his method to farms in Warwickshire and further afield, demonstrating an uncanny ability to solve difficult drainage problems. In 1795 Parliament awarded him a gold ring and £1000 (a fortune at that time).

Stretton on Dunsmore History Society (who organised the event) has done research and published a new booklet about Joseph Elkington for the occasion: the booklet is available from Brookside Stores or the Society’s secretary (tel. 024 7654 2703).