Our Questions & Answers page is dedicated to an exchange of information on just about anything of historical interest. Can you help any of the enquirers below?

Debbie Evans writes...

We found an old bottle whilst digging the rear of a 1900's property which we recently bought in Leighton Buzzard. We haven't been able to find any information on this bottle, or the company, on the internet.

The bottle has the following wording on it as it's rotated:

TRADE WALTER ALLEN MARK

[the Walter Allen part of this is embossed on the rim of an impression of a straw hat]

SODA WATER &
LEMONADE MANUFACTURER
LUTON BEDS

The bottle is green and has a rounded bottom. More pictures

It would be much appreciated if anyone is able to provide any information or contacts as to where information may be found. Email Debbie

THE BEDFORDSHIRE MALHERBES

Gordon Reeves is researching the history of the Anglo-Norman family of Malherbe (also spelt Malerbe) that flourished between the 12th and 16th centuries in various English counties. They were particularly prevalent in Bedfordshire, e.g., in Carlton, Bromham, Goldington and Kempston near Bedford; Houghton Conquest, Clophill and Stotford to the south, and the Brickhills, Hockliffe, Husborne Crawley and Tingrith toward Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable.

Please read his full request and contact him directly with any information you can provide.

Home Guard and World War II Defences of the Barton Le Clay Area

Cive Makin of Ampthill & District Archaeological & Local History Society is researching the Home Guard and the local defences of the Second World War in the Barton Le Clay area. He would very much appreciate any local information, photographs, personal memories or anecdotes from this period. If you are able to help in any way then please contact him on 01582 655785 (evenings) or email Clive Makin

We have received an appeal from Richard Moore in Cornwall for any information anyone can provide about this Great War Commemorative Mug which he found whilst clearing his parents' house. It seems to have originated in Dunstable. Click for more pictures and contact details.