I found out more about the little known Mansfield Woodhouse icon who left a very well known legacy on Nottinghamshire - and it's a lovely tale
He’s far from a household name, though perhaps he should be after giving the Mansfield community so much to be grateful for.
Major Hayman Rooke wrote his name into county folklore after his passionate work as an antiquarian helped highlight the importance of the wider Sherwood Forest area to the nation.
As part of his devotion to our delightful part of the world Rooke, who was a British Army major in the 30th Regiment of Foot, also discovered the remains of two Roman villas during his retirement years in Mansfield Woodhouse in 1785.
His legacy now proudly lives on 220 years after his death, with multiple villages coming together on Friday to honour his memory during the annual Sherwood Forest Day celebrations.
“He was an incredible individual,” said Joyce Bosnjak, a member of the organising Mansfield Woodhouse Heritage Link group.
“The work that he did was tremendous. He’s not just famous for his connection with the Major Oak, but many other things - including my favourite - the Roman villas.”
The event saw residents, history lovers and community groups all come together to reflect on Rooke’s lasting role in promoting our heritage.
“It is so rewarding to see the children and the local community gathering together and helping to celebrate,” added Joyce.
“The first event last year was in its infancy, so we sort of made it up as we went along really.
“We did quite a bit, but it’s nothing like the celebration we are having today.
“I hope other people feel it has been enjoyable being here and will keep coming back.
“One of the things we want to do in Mansfield Woodhouse is get our young people interested in their local social history.
“We are all getting on a bit and I want to ensure that that message remains and young children will be as engaged and involved as we have been.”
Jan Goold watched the celebrations unfold as part of her role as the current chair of Nottinghamshire County Council.
But her Mansfield Woodhouse appointment extended far beyond a mere civic duty, with Jan also keen to see the spirit of Rooke’s landmark work preserved for future generations.
“I’m very privileged to be here,” she said. “Part of my job is to shine a light on the community that does all the good work and bring these things to the fore.
“Joyce is a prime example and I'm so proud of everything she has done and everybody else in the village. It is a memory that I will cherish and keep in my heart forever.
“Since taking on the chairmanship I have seen how it is not all doom and gloom out there. We have some wonderful communities that I am proud of. There are so many unsung heroes out there.”
Rooke, who had the Major Oak tree at Sherwood Forest named in his honour, is buried at the Church of St Edmund in Mansfield Woodhouse in what is a fitting final resting place in the village he did so much for.