House building in the spotlight

THE first talk of the season for Loughborough Archeological

and Historical Society proved to be a big hit, when Dave Postles delivered a talk upon the topic of building houses for the people of Loughborough, during the period 1875-1890.

The talk focussed on the Paget land around Oxford Street, Leopold Street, Paget Street and Station Street; the Storer land around Storer Road and Cumberland Road, and the villas at the town end of Derby Road.

Following the Earl of Moira’s sale of his estate in Loughborough in 1809-10, the development of the town was quite different from many other similar places. Much of the land was bought up by individuals, which led to housebuilding in a piecemeal fashion. In other ways, Loughborough’s housebuilding - and demolishing - followed a very similar pattern to the rest of the country, being influenced by Acts of Parliament, like the Public Health Acts, and the Housing of the Working Classes Act (the latter an Act concerned with public health rather than housing), although in some cases we were very quick to adopt non-compulsory recommendations, when compared to other towns.

There was much discussion about the geography of the town and the travel connections of the canals and railways. Housing built on the lands mentioned were often named to sound appealing - for example, something ‘Cottage’ - and rural, but in an urban context.

All in all a fascinating talk. And the forthcoming talk will also be fascinating! It’s on the political hot topic of fireplaces in late mediaeval architecture, delivered by James Wright, FSA.

The talk will be held on Thursday, December 5, 7.30pm - 9pm, at Charnwood Museum. Cost: free to members of the LAHS, £5 to visitors.

For more information about joining the LAHS please see our website: http://www.loughboroughpastandpresent.org/index.htm or e-mail the society secretary: oldrectorymuseumloughborough@gmail.com