A-Z of Loughborough: Places-People-History

Loughborough, a university town in Leicestershire, has a rich history dating back to the 17th century. It is on the edge of the Charnwood Forest and has woods, spinneys, allotments, meadows, and watercourses. The author invites readers to learn about the town's history through its buildings, structures, streets, and thoroughfares, its firms, and local people, and its features like waterways, woods, and fields. The book also includes tales of fairs, follies, and families. Despite its reputation as a market town, Loughborough has much more to offer.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 15 August 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Loughborough, a town situated on the outskirts of the Charnwood Forest, boasts a rich abundance of woods and spinneys, while still providing ample space for allotments and meadows. The town is crisscrossed by watercourses, including the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal, which originate from the heart of the Charnwood Forest. Additionally, artificial bodies of water have been created on former industrial sites.

In this alphabetical tour around Loughborough, the second-largest town in Leicestershire after Leicester, the author invites readers to explore the town's history through its buildings, structures, streets, and thoroughfares. The book delves into the town's firms and local people, as well as its features such as waterways, woods, and fields. With tales of fairs, follies, and families, this book offers a glimpse into some of the most interesting and intriguing aspects of Loughborough's history.

However, it is worth noting that Daniel Defoe, in his writings, referred to Loughborough as a "market town ... but of no great note." The author aims to gently persuade readers that there is much more to Loughborough than what meets the eye.

Loughborough's history dates back to the Roman era, and it was once known as "Loughborough Monasteries." The town's growth was spurred by the textile industry, particularly during the Industrial Revolution. The town's railway station, built in 1839, was a significant milestone in its development.

The town's architecture reflects its rich heritage. The Guildhall, built in 1771, is a prominent landmark that showcases the town's medieval heritage. The Market Hall, constructed in 1860, is another notable building that serves as a marketplace for local produce.

The town's connection to royalty is another notable aspect of its history. The young Princess Alexandrina, later to become Queen Victoria, spent some time in Loughborough during her childhood. The town's name is believed to be derived from the Saxon word "Lough," which means "lake," and the word "Burgh," which means "fortress."

The Bat House, located on the university campus, is a mysterious building that has intrigued locals for years. The building, which was constructed in the 19th century, is believed to have been used for research purposes. However, its exact purpose remains a mystery.

Another intriguing aspect of Loughborough's history is the presence of Building N on the university campus. The building, which was constructed in the 1960s, is a modernist structure that has become an iconic landmark of the university. However, its purpose remains unknown.

The town's industry has evolved over the years. The textile industry, which was once the dominant industry, has declined, but the town has remained an important hub for manufacturing and technology. Loughborough University, one of the country's leading universities, has played a significant role in the town's economic development.

Local words like "jitty" and "Ingle Pingle" have unique meanings and origins. "Jitty" is believed to be derived from the Old English word "jit," which means "to move quickly." "Ingle Pingle" is thought to be a combination of the Old English words "ingle," which means "a single tree," and "pingle," which means "a small stream."

Bottleacre Lane, a street in Loughborough, is named after a former brewery that operated in the area. The brewery, which was established in the 18th century, was a significant employer in the town.

In conclusion, Loughborough, with its rich history, diverse architecture, and intriguing features, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The town's connection to royalty, its mysterious buildings, and its unique local words add to its charm and character. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the town's past, this book provides a valuable resource for exploring Loughborough's history and heritage.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 165 x 280 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398101395