The Thornhills of Great Longstone, once a farming family, played an extensive role in parish life throughout the 19th century. Most of the parish records found in this collection (ref: D307) relate to Robert Thornhill, Overseer of the Poor, Clerk to the Commissioners of Taxes and the last High Constable for the High Peak Hundred. In addition to parish records, the Thornhill papers also include family papers from the 19th century onwards; Turnpike records and papers relating to the Arkwright family. The family papers also include ephemera relating to the First and Second World Wars.
The 8th May 1945 is the day on which Allied forces formally announced the surrender of Germany, which brought the Second World War to a close in Europe.
Along with the parades and street parties marking the national holiday, services of thanksgivings were conducted throughout the country. A copy of the order of this Service of Thanksgiving can be found within the papers of the Thornhill family.
Our plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe may have changed but there are still lots of ways to mark the day – take part in a national two minute silence to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, decorate your home or give the Royal British Legion Industries’ online Lindy Hop lessons a try! Home schooling? The Royal British Legion have created a series of free downloadable VE Day Learning resources for children aged 7-14 years.
Share your family memories – we’d love to hear how your relatives have commemorated VE Day over the years.
Whatever you do, all of us here at the record office wish you a happy and safe bank holiday.