ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH

September 2025

Maths Exercise book (1811)

The museum has a wealth of objects in its collection related to education in Ashby, including this wonderful handwritten maths exercise book from the early 19th century. Not only does this book reveal how mathematical functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division were taught, the lengthy questions also reflect the importance of learning the key skills of reading and writing.

The exercises in this book focus on the practical application of maths, referring to topics such as

trade, labour, and income management which could be of relevance to the future affairs of those from a particular class background. The exercise pictured suggests that the owner of the book came from a privileged family – who else would have to deal with the problem of counting such a vast sum of money?

ARTEFACT OF THE MONTH

August 2025

Ashby de la Zooch (Castle Abbey) record performed by The Merry Macs (1946).

If you want a smooch, and be happy as a pooch, go to Ashby De La Zouch by the sea

The Merry Macs, an American vocal harmony group, were one of several artists to record this song (composed by Al Hoffman, Milton Drake and Jerry Livingston) about the delights of a little village in

Leicestershire. Notably these different versions have variations in the title of the song and how ‘Zouch’ is spelt.

Whilst Ashby may not be by the sea as this song ironically suggests (unless the lido counts), you can still enjoy the summer here! Why not pop down to the museum - especially good for those rainy British summer days.