Blaby District Heritage Walk 12

Walk preview

1. 

   Step 1: We start our walk on the corner of The Square and Main Street.

2. 

   Step 2: On the corner you'll see 'The Cornerstone' building. This used to be a school built on land originally bought but Reverand Edward Stokes.

3. 

   Step 3: At the roof apex you'll see where the old bell used to be. Reverand Stokes was an interesting character. He was Born in 1706 at Bradgate.

4. Step 4: He was blinded at his school in Sharnford by his older brother in 1714 who accidentally shot him in the face at point blank range with a loaded pistol. The pistol was used by the boys as a plaything. His brother shot when dared to by Edward

5. Step 5: He went on to become rector at Blaby in 1743 when his father, the former rector died. Edward was very charitable, starting the Stokes Charity which provided bibles and books for children. He enjoyed hunting and horse riding even while blind

6. Step 6: He rode with an assistant who rang a bell when he needed to jump his horse. Next to The Cornerstone is 'The Pound' where lost animals or livestock were kept until reclaimed by their owners - for a fee.