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West Knighton

West Knighton photos (5 available)

Old photo of West Knighton

West Knighton maps (2 available)

Old map of West Knighton

West Knighton books (6 available)

West Knighton memories

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You can also read memories of nearby places in Leicestershire below.

Leicestershire memories

Bell Street

Wigston, the Town Centre c1965

I remember going to Bell Street around 1967/8 to see Michael Aspel open "Key Markets" which was a supermarket of sorts, and would be on the left-hand-side of this picture (I think either next door to the Co-op, or may have occupied the same space for a while until it closed down.
Also Foryan's (not sure of the spelling) bicycle and toy shop on the other side of the road (now the cancer charity shop). The old chap who owned it, sold bikes (Raleighs) but knew absolutely nothing about them, so a popular school-boy prank, which was a great source of amusement to me and my friends, was to go into the shop and ask for something like a pair of ...read more here
A memory of Wigston contributed by David Harriman

happy days

Wigston, Leicester Road c1965

The corner shop was Tyler's, a sweet and grocers shop. They sold 1d iced lollies made from a juice drink similar to Ribena. You were allowed out to play all day except Sundays, and we would very often go around in a little gang. We especially enjoyed going over the fields (the hills and hollows) behind Church Nook, to two little ponds to fish for tadpoles and further along to Rally Bridge, which was a footbridge across the railway line. Memories come back of running through the steam of the trains across the bridge for a dare.
A memory of Wigston contributed by First Name Last Name

Basset Street School

I remember this school so well, my first born went to this school in 1983 and so did my daughter, it's a shame they pulled part of it down. I remember walking the children over to what is now the infant school to use their swimming pool, later when they pulled some of the old school down the children were moved to the infant school in South Wigston, on the Countesthorpe Road, where all three of my children went, they then moved on to South Wigston High School where they had a real good head master, Mr  Bothamy (sorry about the spelling).
A memory of South Wigston contributed by ruth carroll

South Wigston, Gloucester Crescent

South Wigston, Gloucester Crescent c1960

I moved to South Wigston in 1978 as a newly wed, I lived on Marstown Avenue which then was a two way road, and very busy, and I remember using these shops all the time. I used to do my shopping in what is now called Jacksons and is a Sainsburys shop. I notice looking at the picture of the 1960s that not a lot has changed but the end shop on the left of the picture is now a fish and chip shop, all that keeps changing is the type of shop. I no longer live in South Wigston but do get to visit it still, and even now in 2008 things are very much the same.

A memory of South Wigston contributed by ruth carroll

Extracts From West Knighton & Leicestershire books

West Knighton, Recreation Ground c1960

It is interesting to consider that these happy children are now middle-aged and perhaps reading this book! But what a lovely place to play as they grew up.
An extract from from"Dorset Living Memories".

Melton Mowbray, Burton Street c1955

A fashionable place to be seen throughout the 19th century was the luxurious Harboro Hotel (right), originally the Lord Harborough Arms and a coaching inn. It was carpeted throughout, which was a huge extravagance for the time.
An extract from from"Melton Mowbray Town and City Memories".

Melton Mowbray, Nottingham Street c1955

This view looks from the junction of the High Street and South Parade on market day. The sign of the popular White Lion Hotel is just visible in the centre of this photograph and Barclays Bank (now Ladbrokes) is on the far left.
An extract from from"Melton Mowbray Town and City Memories".

Oakham, High Street 1932

A pleasant, traffic-free scene with the horse and cart unattended, patiently waiting for the master’s return from Illsley the saddlers. The post office is on the left then Corney Manufacturing Jeweller. Amongst other businesses is the chemist beyond the Crown Hotel and opposite, the family firm of Matkin’s printers, who from 1881 to 1941 published an almanac listing people and occupations in town and county. Flore’s House protrudes in the distance - one of the oldest houses in Oakham dating from the 14th century.
An extract from from"Uppingham Photographic Memories".

Oakham, Market Place 1932

This classic view has All Saints’ spire behind the shops with the famous Butter Cross (at least 300 years old) in the middle. Hart and Smith next to each other seem to sell just about everything anyone could want - postcards, wooden hoops, newspapers, parasols, toys and groceries. Glaziers, the well-known family draper, milliner, outfitter and clothier is opposite the Butter Cross selling trilby hats at 3s 11d, boys suits from 7s 11d and a galaxy of other goods.
An extract from from"Uppingham Photographic Memories".