Roman links for villages just off the A5

CLAYBROOKE Magna and Claybrooke Parva villages are seven miles from Hinckley and four miles northwest of Lutterworth.

The distinction of the villages dates back to Henry III. In ancient times they were known as Nether and Over Cleybroc.

The parish, which is crossed by the Roman Fosse Way, also comprises the townships of Ullesthorpe, Bittesby, Wigston Parva and Wibtoft. The combined acreage of the 2 villages is 1,557.

The Romans had connections with Claybrooke as the Roman station of Venones was situated nearby at the village of High Cross.

The inheritance of the manors of both villages was held by Ernald de Bosco in the year 1200. In 1270, Roger De Quincey, the Earl of Winton, also held land there.

One windmill and part of the land was owned by William de la Plaunch in 1347.

In 1525, in the reign of Henry VIII, the manor came by descent to Sir Thomas Lucy. He later sold it to George Turpin who eventually sold all his land to his tenants.

The enclosure of the villages did not take place until 1681, when Thomas Dicey was the resident of Claybrooke Hall which was a magnificent structure with extensive grounds.

It was a stuccoed villa with a large porch of doubled Tuscan columns and was at that period regarded as rather modern.

The monastery of Nuneaton, which was founded by Robert Bossu, the Earl of Leicester in 1140, was in possession of the advowson of Claybrooke by a royal grant.

In 1564, there were 36 families living in Claybrooke who mainly made a living from agriculture. The pastures were very fertile and were suitable for fattening cattle.

More than 60 tons of cheese was produced annually from the two villages, some of which was dispatched to London.

The first double furrow plough was introduced to Claybrooke in 1765. It was invented in Worcestershire although it was first used in the county at Wigston Parva. It was ironic that the manufacture of this new implement should take place in Claybrooke.

The plough required six horses to pull it and it was claimed that tow and a half acres could be ploughed in one day.

Oxen may also have been used as it is recorded that 120 existed in the 2 villages around this period and were used for draught work.

The landscape within the villages is renowned throughout the county and it is claimed that on a clear day more than 30 parish churches can be distinguished.

In 1790 there was a considerable trade in woollen goods which were manufactured in the village.

In Claybrooke Magna there were 15 stocking frames and two custom looms.

Only two houses remain that have the top storey windows to light the weavers’ workshops.

The main import was coal which came along the Ashbyde-la-Zouch Canal from Measham to the wharf at Hinckley at an overall cost of one shilling and three pence per cwt.

The main coach used to pass through Claybrooke regularly on