Kibworth Harcourt Conservation Society are pleased to announce that following the award of a grant of over £4,000 by the Local Heritage Initiative (part of Heritage Lottery Fund) to produce a replacement Village Trail leaflet in June 2006, the full colour leaflet was published in May 2007. This replaces an earlier monochrome leaflet published with Harborough District Council.

The rural Leicestershire village of Kibworth Harcourt dates back to the Iron Age and it obtained its distinctive name from the Norman “de Harcourt” family who held the manor in the 12th and 13th centuries before ownership passed to Merton College, Oxford. The Conservation Area of the village has a fascinating history and over 20 magnificent listed buildings. The Heritage Trail leaflet combines a walking route map and information about key buildings and historical stories about the community, with facts about some of the people who have lived in, and travelled through the village, over the centuries.

The grant was used by the Society to research properties and landmarks on an agreed trail route through the Kibworth Harcourt Conservation Area. The Society asked volunteers to collect facts, customs and stories from the community and historical documents. The Society also commissioned graphics including a trail map, photography and leaflet design, and finally ordered the printing of 6,000 copies of the final leaflet which has been offered free to residents, visitors and tourists through displays in the local libraries, post offices, GP surgeries and shops, schools, and community buildings.

Kevin Feltham, Chairman of the Society which was founded in 1980, said “I believe residents are justifiably proud of their village and this new trail leaflet demonstrates some of the wonderful character and heritage of our rural community. I am very grateful to all those villagers who helped with the production of this magnificent leaflet.”

“We have a small amont of the grant still available and would like to produce an accompanying booklet with more details about some of the heritage buildings or a short DVD/Video of the route.”

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) provided the grant.