SHEPSHED TOWN TRAIL

Shepshed is a town that has many hidden treasures. It is mentioned in the Domesday Book 1086 as Schepeshefde Regis, Regis donating "Royal Lodge". Most people believe Shepshed means "hill where sheep graze". Rich grazing in Charnwood Forest brought great wealth and Shepshed became an important market for wool trade. In 1801, of a population of 1,628, 1,493 were engaged in woollen manufacture and allied trades.
THE TRAIL

An ideal way to see the secrets of Shepshed is to follow the numbered history trail, leaflets of which can be obtained from Shepshed Library. (Please note that Church Street is a steep hill).

ST. BOTOLPH'S CHURCH

The squat tower and spire dominate the town. Built in the 11th Century with later additions, it is dedicated to St. Botolph, the patron saint of travellers. Inside there are old artifacts beautifully constructed of stone. The area in which it was built was once fields and small holdings and the dry stone walls are still evident today.

QUEEN STREET AREA

The OLD QUEEN'S HEAD is one of the oldest buildings in the town and it is suggested that it became a public house in the late 18th Century.

LUDLOW HOUSE

This 16th century house was named after a man who once lived in its originally three storey building. Bloodhounds were bred here for the Police.

CHARNWOOD HALL

Charnwood Hall was opened in 1904 by Sir Henry Campbell Bannerman, this building has had several different uses including Parish Hall, antique gallery offices, private residence and is currently a retirement home.

WAR MEMORIAL

The War Memorial was erected by public subscription in memory and thanksgiving for those who fell in the two World Wars. The statue was originally located in the Market Place.

GLENMORE PARK

Glenmore Park was officially opened in 1937 although work started on the park in 1935 to commemorate the Jubilee of King George V. It is beautifully kept and now used for community events.

ST WINIFRIDE'S CHURCH

The former St Winifride's Catholic Church, now restored as a residence and workshop, is located on the corner of Pick Street.It was built in 1842 and a bell forged at Taylors Bell Foundry in Loughborough was installed in the belfry. It is now a private residence.