The Village of Stoughton

Gaulby Lane

Stoughton lies in the hilly and wooded country a little east of Leicester, in pleasant lands that once belonged to the abbey where Cardinal Wolsey lies.

In 1391, there were two mills at Stoughton – a water mill and a wind mill, valued at £4.

In 1557, the value of the manor of Stoughton (distinct from the Grange) was £433..15s..8d. and in 1564 there were seven families living in Stoughton.

Sir Thomas Beaumont died in 1614, seised of the manor of Stoughton (worth £4) and the rectory of Stoughton and Thurneby, and Sir Henry Beaumont was the only resident freeholder in 1630. Stoughton continued uninterrupted in that family until it passed by marriage to Mr Keck.

Four persons only were polled from Stoughton in 1719, and by 1722, not one freeholder occurred. By 1775, Anthony James Keck Esq., is the only name, being the principle landowner of the whole lordship excepting about 300 acres, which was given to Henry Smith for charitable uses.

The Mansion House which stood in a low situation, had a Gothic appearance, and the occupier at that time carried out extensive repairs. The large grounds afforded fine pasturage, and was used as a park for deer. The grounds were extensive and enclosed with brick walls. A large sheet of water ran by the side of a long walk, which extended from Stoughton Hall almost to Evington – the length of ¾ mile, on each side of which grew some lofty trees which shaded the passage.

Taken from
• John Nichols – ‘The History and Antiquities of the County of Leicester’ Vol II
Published 1798
• Arthur Mee ‘The King’s England’ – Leicestershire and Rutland – Stoughton, Published Sept 1948.