The History of Leicester and Wigston: A Journey Through Time
Leicester and Wigston are two neighbouring towns in Leicestershire, England, that share a long and fascinating history. From the ancient Romans and Anglo-Saxons, to the medieval knights and merchants, to the modern industrialists and cultural icons, Leicester and Wigston have witnessed many important events and developments in the history of England and the world. In this blog post, we will tell you more about the history of Leicester and Wigston, and answer some of the common questions that visitors might have.
What is the history of Wigston Leicester?
Wigston, or Wigston Magna, is a town that lies 4 miles (6.4 km) south of Leicester, on the A5199 road. It has a population of about 32,000, and is part of the Oadby and Wigston district. Wigston's history dates back to the 6th century, when it was a settlement of the Angles, a Germanic tribe that invaded Britain after the Romans left. The name Wigston comes from the Old Scandinavian personal name Víkingr, meaning "pirate" or "raider", and the Old English word tūn, meaning "farmstead" or "estate". The name Wigston means "Viking's farm" or "Viking's estate", and suggests that the place was founded or taken over by a Danish overlord.
Wigston was recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Wichingestone, and was part of the lands held by Hugh de Grandmesnil, one of the principal barons of William the Conqueror. Wigston had two knights, 31 yeoman farmers, and 44 serfs, as well as a cleric and a priest, indicating that it was a large and prosperous place at the time. Wigston was also known as Wigston Two Spires, because it had two medieval churches, All Saints' and St Wistan's. St Wistan's was named after a Mercian prince and martyr, who was buried at Repton, but his body was moved to Evesham, passing through Wigston on the way.
Wigston was a centre of the wool trade in the Middle Ages, and later of the lace industry in the 18th and 19th centuries. Wigston had several mills and factories that produced fine and delicate fabrics, such as Crow Mill and the Wigston Framework Knitters Museum. Wigston also had a rich and diverse cultural heritage, being the birthplace or residence of notable people, such as George Davenport, a notorious highwayman; Abigail Herrick, the mother of Jonathan Swift, the author of Gulliver's Travels; Harry Ellis, a former rugby player for Leicester Tigers and England; and Mark Hayman, a former radio presenter for Leicester Sound and BBC Radio Leicester.
What does the name Wigston mean?
As mentioned above, the name Wigston comes from the Old Scandinavian personal name Víkingr, meaning "pirate" or "raider", and the Old English word tūn, meaning "farmstead" or "estate". The name Wigston means "Viking's farm" or "Viking's estate", and suggests that the place was founded or taken over by a Danish overlord. Another source notes that the word Wigston means "Wigg's (Stone) Castle", where Wigg was a descendant of Woden, the chief god of the Anglo-Saxons, and an ancestor of the kings of Wessex.
How old is Wigston?
Wigston is a very old town, with a history that spans over 14 centuries. The earliest record of Wigston is in the Domesday Book of 1086, but the settlement is likely to be older, dating back to the 6th century, when it was a village of the Angles. Some of the oldest features of Wigston include the Old Mere, a green boundary between two sets of village fields that dates back to Saxon times; the South Wigston mill, or Crow Mill, that dates back to the 12th century; and Wygston's House, a 15th-century timber-framed merchant's house that is thought to be the oldest dwelling in Leicester.
Why Holiday Inn Leicester Wigston Hotel is the best place to stay when visiting Leicester and Wigston
If you are interested in exploring the history and culture of Leicester and Wigston, you should stay at Holiday Inn Leicester Wigston Hotel, a stunning and flexible hotel near Leicester city centre. Our hotel is the best choice for you because:
- We are conveniently located on the A5199 road, which connects Leicester and Wigston, and offers easy access to the attractions and activities of both towns. You can also reach other places of interest in Leicestershire, such as the National Space Centre, the Tropical Birdland, the Newarke Houses Museum & Gardens, and the Fun Valley.
- We offer modern and comfortable rooms, a 24-hour fitness centre, several meeting rooms, and free parking for 150 cars. Our rooms are equipped with flat-screen TVs and complimentary wireless Internet. Our fitness centre has state-of-the-art equipment, and our meeting rooms can accommodate up to 350 people.
- We have a Bella Italia restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic Italian dishes made with fresh and quality ingredients. You can also order room service or visit the nearby pubs and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres.
- We have a warm and welcoming staff who are ready to make your stay as enjoyable and memorable as possible. We are passionate and knowledgeable about our hotel and our area, and we can give you tips and suggestions that will enhance your experience. We also have flexible check-in and check-out times, and special offers and packages that you can take advantage of.
Book your stay with us today and enjoy the best of Leicester and Wigston's history and culture. We look forward to welcoming you to Holiday Inn Leicester Wigston Hotel.
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