EVINGTON HILL LADIES CLUB

Blue Badge Guide, Robert Gregory, gave our last talk for 2009 on the history of New Walk. He told us that in the 18th century Leicester ended at Welford Place and countryside began, Leicester was a town at this time and did not achieve city status until after the Great War. In 1785 New Walk was laid out and was the first pedestrian footpath into countryside in any town, enabling the gentry staying at the hotel in Hotel Street to have a pleasant three quarters of a mile country walk to the races held on Victoria Park.

Initially no buildings were allowed along New Walk but in 1818 Holy Cross Priory was erected. The Priory together with several other buildings was designed by architect John Hansom, who designed the Hansom Cab. In the 1840s terraces were built set back to preserve the walkway and many of the present buildings have interesting histories. Next time you walk along New Walk look out for St Stephen's Church; this was originally situated near to the railway station but was moved to its present location brick by brick. The church was rebuilt on a smaller scale and this enabled a house to be built at the side with the remaining stone.

New members to the Ladies' Club will be given a warm welcome, and our programme is always advertised in the Echo's Diary, or phone 273 9262 for more details.

A Committee Member