Melton Mowbray Town Estate

We start our walk at the top of High Street by the Corn Cross; to the right is the Market Place; 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. Markets are still very popular, and are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays.

To read more about the history of the Market Place take a look at the Interpretation Board. In the Market Place, you can see the Butter Cross; 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 at the pedestrian crossing, walk underneath the Swan Porch 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 straight down Church Street 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, here you will see the Interpretation Board with the history of Play Close. Walk along to the left of the interpretation board, with the wall on your left hand side. This wall marks the boundary of the early medieval London Road.

The "London Road" is now a footpath but this was the route mentioned in the itineries of King Richard I in 1194, it is said that this is how King Street was subsequently named. To your right is the park that you have just read about, that of 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, in front of you, you can see the avenue of chestnut trees and Priors Close.

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.

The 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.

You may have the opportunity to see the Skate Park being used, or perhaps you may want to take this opportunity to try the Skate Park for yourself.

Follow the path round to the right, you will come to the heart of Priors Close. Priors Close is a beautiful park with a lake and bridge, There is a commemorative stone which is symbolic of the heart of Priors Close, it is now dedicated to Mrs Audrey Meyer Mars, (wife of the founder of Pedigree Petfoods) who "cared deeply for people, pets, and nature", it was Mrs Audrey Mars who had the idea to “Give the Town a Park” it was decided that;

“this land will be used to create something worthwhile, lasting and attractive that will be of benefit to the residents and visitors to Melton Mowbray for many years to come”.

The name Priors Close 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.

The lake is surrounded by a labyrinth of paths that encircle the lake. You can follow the path to the left of the memorial stone and take in the nature trail, detailing what wildlife the planting scheme attracts, you may be able to see some of the wildlife, or there may be some swans or ducks or other wildfowl, whom it is rumoured like the odd crumb of bread given from the passers by.

You may also be able to see the willow sculpture of a man walking a dog, the willow sculpture man is called 'Bernard' and his faithful companion is called 'Spot' the dog; made by Groundwork Leicester and Leicestershire and volunteers under the guidance of local willow artist Spencer Jenkins. The paths around the lake lead to the aforementioned 'lockgates' in the avenue of chestnut trees.

Follow the path to the left and you come to the interpretation board for Priors Close which stands next to the bridge, (leading to the swimming baths) Saunter on to the bridge and watch the river. 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.

The Children’s swings and play area (this area was purchased in 1872) had a 'facelift' in January 2008. The refurbished children's play area has benefitted from new impact surfaces, new play equipment, including equipment specifically designed for wheelchairs which can also be used for pushchairs.

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 Townwarden. New Park and more specifically the Carousel Bandstand celebrated its centenary anniversary in style in 2009 with the inaugural performance of "The Meltonian - The Town Estate's Celebratory March" by Leigh Baker. The Bandstand was completely restored as part of the work in New Park, along with planting schemes to bring more colour into the park. Follow either path round to the large ornamental gates that open out onto Leicester Street. Here you will see the interpretation board for New Park. Follow the pathway right round in the circle back to the Play Close Children's Play Area. On the right, is The John Southerington Bridge.

The installation of 'The John Southerington Bridge' was part of 'The Big Picture Appeal'. The Bridge opened in May 2008 which finally realised a 100 year old vision for the town to link the park with the land on the other side of the river. This subsequently has linked the Town Centre Parks allowing 'traffic-free' access to the amenities which are now situated in the park on the west bank of the river.

Go over The John Southerington Bridge, and you are now in Wilton Park The park was known for many years as “The Leicester Road Sports Ground” because of the sports and activities that have been played there like bowls, tennis and a miniature round of golf. In recognition of the history associated with the park, and as an acknowledgement of the more diverse range of activities that the park offers, a decision was made to rename the park “Wilton Park”.

The amenities on offer have greatly improved thanks to 'The Big Picture Appeal'. Whilst the park has been a home for tennis for a number of years, it is only comparatively recently when 5 a side football has been available. The all-weather pitch allows football to take place all year round, with play being able to continue into the evening by having the whole pitch flood lit. The 5 a side pitch however, is only one of the improvements made to this park. The park has a toddlers play area, a 'road train' that enables passengers to enjoy a journey around the whole of the town centre parks, mini golf and crazy golf. 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.

The refreshment kiosk has been replaced with "Pavilion Cafe" open throughout the day with indoor and outdoor seating available. The cafe offers a place to sit and reflect, whilst enjoying the peace and tranquillity which the park offers. The Pavilion Cafe is open from 9am each day, 10am on Sundays, why not enjoy a milky beverage whilst sitting in the park, or perhaps even have a traditionally made Melton Mowbray Pork Pie. Once you have caught your breath, amble through the main gates onto Wilton Road. Immediately on your left, you will see an interpretation board, giving the history of this park. Continue down the path to the pedestrian crossing, where you will be able to cross the road safely.

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, turn left to walk towards the Town, again immediately as you leave the park there is the Egerton Park interpetaion board. Follow the road, parallel to the pinetum to the Lady Wilton Bridge. Walk across the Lady Wilton Bridge, originally owned by the Town Estate, (now in LCC ownership) 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 as you will notice the interpretation board is double sided with the history of the memorial gardens. You will no doubt see 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, it has subsequently been updated by Mrs Dinah Rudman;

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.

The Upper Terrace has undergone a complete transformation with the laying of York slabs. The York slabs originally formed the platform of the Great Northern Station on Scalford Road, Melton Mowbray. The Station was open 1 September 1879 and closed 7 December 1953.

It is particularly fitting for the War Memorial to be the final resting place for the York slabs, as it would have been from that Platform that many hundreds of servicemen would have left Melton Mowbray to fight for their Country.

The Upper Terrace is used by local dignitaries and representatives of the Service and ex-service community for wreath laying ceremonies on Remembrance Sunday, Battle of Britain and at some other times. It is appropriate that we gather to honour our fallen heroes at the War Memorial.

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."