Melton Mowbray Town Estate

We start our walk in the Market Place by the Butter Cross; where the territories of the 3 local Hunts of Belvoir, Cottesmore and Quorn meet. The Market Place has a history of nearly a thousand documented years of trading. Look across the road to the Swan Porch, on the south side, formerly the house of a medieval wool merchant and later until 1825 a coaching inn.

Cross the road and turn left into Church Street, the stone building on the left was the Town Armoury and Courthouse dating back to the days of the first Queen Elizabeth.

Next proceed to the Parish Church of St Mary’s, this is the architectural gem in Melton’s crown. The present building was begun in 1170 and finished in 1532 which is the date over the east window of the vestry. It is a spiritual and material treasure house of history. Buy a guide book and take your time looking around. There is a window on the West Wall, South Side dedicated to Gilbert M P King, a past Townwarden.

Continue down the path to the Park, turn to the right past the small copse of trees and perhaps sit awhile to get your bearings. Immediately in front of you is the Play Close. There may be a funfair here or an event by one of the many other groups who rent or use this area. In the distance, to the left, you can see the avenue of chestnut trees and Priors Close.

Return to the path and continue down until you come to the 450th Anniversary Gates, on your left; these were erected in 1999.

Turn right into Park Lane and call in to the Town Estate Office. Here you can see the stained glass window saved from the Old Town Hall in King Street (this was found, stored in the cellars of the Corn Exchange, in 1984).

Back to the Park go through the gates and across the main grassed area, passing through the avenue of trees, to Priors Close, a beautiful park with a lake and bridge. The name comes from ancient maps of the area and is probably so called because the “Anne of Cleves” in Burton Street, previously The Priory, was a Chantry Priest's House, for the Cluniac Priory of Lewes, and the grounds extended to the river.

A stone feature (built 1987) also in Priors Close is made from stones taken from the site of the Medieval Bridge which spanned the river at the bottom of Ankle Hill before being removed in 1900 to make way for the railway bridge. The old stone bridge had been maintained by the Town Estate for well over 300 years.

Mr Ray Hipkin, a past Feoffee and Townwarden, designed the layout of the stones and a time capsule is buried under them. A letter has been left to future Townwardens for the capsule to be checked after 50 years (2036) and opened in 2086.

Walk down the avenue of chestnut trees, beside the Play Close. The trees mark the line of the Melton Navigation Canal and the ‘lock gate’ feature was part of the Priors Close development in 1985.

Saunter on to the bridge (leading to the swimming baths) and watch the river. You may see some swans or ducks or other wildfowl. Return to the Park and follow the path round, trying to spot the riverside steps. There are two sets of steps down to the river, one near the bridge and the other close to the border of the Play Close and New Park. These were installed in 1906 to allow boat users access to the Parks.

Go past the Children’s swings and play area (this area was purchased in 1872) and maybe visit the refreshment kiosk for a ‘nice cup of tea’.

The Bandstand is a grade 2 listed structure built in 1908 for the opening of the New Park which was hitherto a rough grazing ground. The Town Estate holds regular Sunday afternoon band concerts throughout the summer months, which are very popular and well attended.

From the bandstand, continue into New Park which was designed and planned in 1908 by Mr Henry Wood, a Town Warden and follow either path round to the large ornamental gates through to Leicester Street.

Come out of the gates and turn left past the Horse Wash. This is a cobbled track (actually Victorian sets) leading down to the River Eye, abutting Lady Wilton Bridge. Walk across the Lady Wilton Bridge, originally owned by the Town Estate, (now in LCC ownership) to the Leicester Road Sportsground.

Go in through the gates, on your left you can see the Bowls Greens and in front of you the Tennis Courts (with Dome in the winter months) turn right, you will find a refreshment kiosk and covered seating area, also a small children’s play area. On certain days the Mowbray Train may be working.

Further back you will see a Rose Garden which was created in 1998, as a permanent memorial to Diana, Princess of Wales. The rose bed was prepared and a trellis constructed by Estate Carpenter, Alan Tilson. Planting consisted of Princess of Wales white roses in the centre and Prince William red roses on either side. There is also a small dovecote here.

Crossing the main road you will see Egerton Park, a cricket field since the 18th century, and the modern white cricket pavilions, there may even be a game of cricket to watch. Cricket is played here by Local, County and International teams. Also, the Country Fair including Shire Horse Show have used this venue in the past, as have other events bringing people to Melton.

If you walk across the park to look at the river you will see the Melton Mowbray Rotary Club Sundial and across the river the Ha-Ha wall on the opposite bank (This feature is a 1990’s restoration of the Ha-Ha in the original design (but with bricks)) and Egerton Lodge Memorial Gardens.

Leaving Egerton Park through the same gates, walk towards the Town, over the bridge, stopping to glance at the various views. As you pass, have a quick look at the Old Stone Arch. Originally at the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, it was moved here from the War Memorial Hospital, formally part of the Castle at the rear of Nottingham Street and King Street.

Go through the ornamental gates into Egerton Lodge Memorial Gardens and notice the Bread Door on the right.

To the right of the door you will see the recently restored Jubilee Scented Garden. This was originally planted 30 years ago, designed especially for the visually impaired;

To the left of the door the British Legion also have their own Remembrance Garden and the names of the plants in this section have military connections. i.e. Burma Star & Polish Spirit

Continue into the main part of the Memorial Gardens, have a seat and look around you; this is an area for quiet reflection.

The Terrace is now a listed structure. The War Memorial made from Portland stone tablets records the names of fellow townspeople who died in both wars and other conflicts.

Take time to spare a thought for all who died.

"At the going down of the sun, and in the morning, we shall remember them."