Welcome to Oakham

Oakham, the county town of Rutland, is located just west of Rutland Water, approximately 95 miles north of London and 18 miles east of Leicester.

The town has a population of around 8,500. Administratively it is the seat of the local government district of Rutland which covers an area of approximately 382 sq kms and which has a population of around 36,000.

Surrounded by rolling rural countryside, it is a pleasant town which, somewhat controversially in present times, is renowned as one of the leading centres for fox-hunting. There are some notable historic buildings including the banqueting hall from the town's 12th-century Oakham Castle. Just to the east of the town lies the beautiful Rutland Water, the largest man-made lake in Britain, which is a popular attraction for visitors, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts alike.

The town's history dates from the 12th century. Traditionally, members of royalty and peers of the realm who visited or passed through the town has to pay a forfeit in the form of a horseshoe. This custom has continued for over 500 years, although today this only happens on special occasions. There are over 200 of these horseshoes on the walls of the great hall of the castle. The town lies close to Rutland Water, one of the largest man made lakes in Europe.

Historically the town's economy was based upon agriculture and this is still important. The service industry is the largest sector of the local economy, employing around 67% of all workers.

The name Oakham probably derives from a Saxon leader called Occa who had a town or village ('ham') here.