Factory Trail: City Centre

Walk preview

1. Step 1: We begin at the High Cross Monument on Jubilee Square. Tap the icon in the bottom left of your screen to switch between map and text.

2. Step 2: This walk passes some of the former industrial buildings which remain in Leicester to give you a flavour of the industries which provided employment and wealth to Leicester.

3. Step 3: From the early 19th Century until the end of the 20th, the main industries in Leicester were hosiery (knitwear), footwear and engineering. Leicester claimed to ‘clothe the world’ and was the 2nd richest city in 1930s Europe.

4. Step 4: Nearby, on Freeschool Lane, the first Norman & Underwood factory was set up in a small cottage in 1825. They claim to be the oldest independent family company in Leicester, specialising in glazing and metal roofing.

5. Step 5: In 1866 the company was commissioned to glaze the roof at the new St Pancras Railway Station in London. Since then they have completed many notable works. In 2004 the company moved to Scudamore Road and the factory was demolished.

6. Step 6: Turn right so that you are walking towards Applegate and away from Highcross Street. Pass Wigston’s House on your right and continue along Applegate. Turn left into Peacock Lane.