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Woodhouse Eaves History
The main street of Woodhouse Eaves
Woodhouse Eaves is situated four miles south of Loughborough beneath Beacon Hill and under the eaves of Charnwood Forest, hence the name. It is the larger of the two villages in the parish of Woodhouse, with shops and public houses which serve both villages.
The parish of Woodhouse, which included Maplewell-Longdale and Woodhouse Eaves, was not formed until 1844, having been formerly extra-parochial of the parishes of Barrow upon Soar and Newtown Linford. The population of the villages at this time was approximately: Maplewell-Longdale 30, Woodhouse 400 and Woodhouse Eaves 650. Today it is around 2300.
Apart from the traditional village trades such as blacksmiths, wheelwrights and shop keepers, the industry particular to the area was framework knitting. This was mainly a domestic industry, with its associated trades. Labourers worked the Swithland slate pits about half a mile away.
Swithland slate, combined with Charnwood granite, is in large part what gives Woodhouse Eaves its charm and character. The warm purple and greys of slate roofs contrast with the stone walls to create a variety of texture and colours. Swithland slate was last quarried in 1887 but wherever possible it is retained and reused.
In the late 19th century the village became a popular resort for visitors. Convalescent homes were also developed to take advantage of the healthy environment and houses were adapted for lodgers.
Woodhouse Eaves is a desirable place in which to live; with many of the village industries gone, commuters from elsewhere bring growth and change. Some small cottages have been extended, rendered and given new features.
Follow the links below to find out more about the history of our lovely village
- History Trail
A walk through the village reveals the beauty of Woodhouse Eaves and many clues to its history and development.
- Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group
Click here to see details of our Woodhouse and Woodhouse Eaves Local History Group
This is the history page for your village. It is available for the community to add historical information/photos of the village. If you would be interested in providing some content for these pages we’d be delighted to hear from you so please contact us on admin@leicestershirevillages.com or complete the online form below.
- Get involved and register your interest
- Family History
This page provides resources for people researching their family tree in the village and includes a useful guide specially created by the Record Office.
- Local History
This page provides resources for discovering more about the history of your village. It is available for people in the community to add historical photos and information about the village.
- Oral History
This page contains recorded memories of people from the village.
- Dating Old Documents
Some guidance developed by the Record Office for working with historical documents dating back to the period of the introduction of the Gregorian calendar in 1752.
Useful Information
- Local and Family History Discussion Forum
This special forum is monitored by the Record Office. You can browse all previous questions but if you submit a history query you will receive a response from a member of the Record Office staff.
- View all History Projects
See what potential there is for your village by viewing some of the projects that are running across the county.
- The Record Office for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland
Last Updated Tue, 13 May, 2008.