Our Story
The inspiration for our story began over 400 years ago when Charles Butler recorded his observations to illustrate how the environment and surroundings influenced his honey bees and the production of honey and beeswax when pastor at Wootton St Lawrence, Basingstoke (1600 to 1647).
In November 1954 a stained glass window was designed and dedicated to Charles Butler, now acknowledged as The Father of English Beekeepers, in his church, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953.
In 2019 a volunteer Green Group, “Love Oakley GoGreen” was formed with the positive intention to introduce standalone environmental events and outreach to the communities with collaboration from Oakley Parish council.
In 2020, a small enthusiastic team led by Ken Robson with lots of encouragement from Revd Ben Kautzer, the rector Oakley with Wootton, set about hosting the Charles Butler Bee Fayre at his home in Wootton St Lawrence.
In August 2022, a month after the government had allowed the first relaxation of Covid guidelines for outdoor events The Charles Butler Bee Fayre celebrations took place at Wootton St Lawrence church and meadows. These Celebrations built on his legacy to tell the whole bee story to our communities. A great success, and set the scene for the special 400th Anniversary celebrations in 2023.
In August 2023 a wonderful buzz took place in Wootton St Lawrence Church and Meadows to celebrate 400th Anniversary of the publication of Charles Butler “The Feminine Monarchie”. Presentations about the bee story were given inside the church and the vibrant story continued outside in the church meadows with specialists, beekeepers, and stall-holders, to engage with the children, families, and adults who attended.
Stile Antico gave a world class performance of Charles Butler Bee Madrigal, The Archbishop of Canterbury, himself a beekeeper, delivered a video address, and a follow up news feature commissioned and aired by BBC South Today.
The Charles Butler 400 Foundation was introduced at these Bee Fayre celebrations, as our way to continue to educate and inspire the new generations and help them understand the need to create a sustainable environment where bees and all pollinators can thrive. This coincided with the launch of “Parson Musicologist Beekeeper - Legacy and Influence of Charles Butler (1571 to 1647).
It is a compilation by 13 authors recounting the life and times, social history, and legacy that shapes the Charles Butler story and its significance today.
