Sileby History
Its people and places. A community through time.
IMPRESSIONS OF SILEBY
Describing the Village
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Prior to the first decades of the 17th century there was no general account of Sileby, its parish or its people. In 1622 the antiquary William Burton published Leicestershire's first county history, 'The Description of Leicestershire'. This was joined by Throsby's (1790) and Nichol's (1800) histories of the county. They mainly concerned themselves with manorial and church histories reflecting the interests of their clientele, i.e., their middle and upper class patrons.
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From the late 18th and early 19th centuries newspapers began to give fascinating detail into Sileby's local events and characters, including general parish commentaries, some of which are reproduced here. Trade directories and travel guides described settlements and outlined their main occupations for the discerning sightseer or commercial traveller. They were the mainstay of general village information in the Victorian and early 20th century eras.
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​After the First World War local village guides were produced by Sileby Parish Council.
Other descriptions and portraits tend to be anecdotal and are provided in the magazines of local groups such as the Parish church, schools and even in publications of outside organisations like Ratcliffe College. More up to date references to the village are given in village plans and planning statements.
A selection of those entries and articles, from the earliest up to now are given below...
1790
John Throsby, The supplementary volume to the Leicestershire views : p118-119
containing a series of excursions in the year 1790, to the villages and places of note in the county
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"SILEBY
The Lordship is large, and was inclosed about 30 years since. The principal proprietor is William Pochin, Esq. M.P.
I believe Lord Ferrers is lord of the manor. This village is large and in it are several good houses, among which is that of Dr. Heathcote, a gentleman well known for his learning and writings...
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The church has a nave, two side ailes, and five bells, but no monuments."
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Throsby then lists a number of people buried in the chancel according to the gravestones he saw there. He adds...
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"The church is tolerable, the chancel spacious. The pillars that support the roof of the north aile are Saxon architecture. Here is a vault for the Kings (not of England). Thomas King, Esq. who was the owner of a good estate here, died in 1780.
I have never met so many Esquires and Gentlemen sleeping in one church together peaceably, as in this, in all my inquisitorial pursuits in Leicestershire, none of which have left their gloomy abodes to disturb the living; for, by the bye, I have heard of ghosts and hobgoblins, on my excursions, who sometimes leave the church or church-yard, to affrighten children and women big with child.
I was unfortunate enough to call three times at Sileby when Dr. Heathcote was out; consequently I could not see the register."
http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p15407coll6/id/14539/rec/3
1800
John Nichols, The History and Antiquities of the County of Leicester : Vol. 3, Part 1 p420-428
containing East Goscote Hundred,
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​"SILEBY
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​The first paragraph from John Nichols Sileby section
© University of Leicester Special Collections
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For the next page and a half Nichols describes Sileby's manorial history. It is followed by a brief commentary of the parish Enclosure 1758-60 and he also remarks upon the current scene as he saw it around 1800...
"The manor is now the property of earl Ferrers; with whom it has been customary to call a court once in three years: but Mr Pochin of Barkby is the principal land-owner. Since the inclosure there are many small freeholders.
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There have been formerly two antient mansion-houses at Sileby; one belonging to the Sherard family; and now in the tenure of Mr Ward, a farmer; the other, belonging to the Pochins, is demolished.
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Mr. Thomas King has a tolerable house here, which he inherited from his father. The other inhabitants are chiefly farmers and frame-work knitters.
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The village is situated in a deep soil, and the roads round it were till lately very indifferent; but are now generally much improved.
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The Rev. George Staveley (who died in 1714) settled £4. a year for teaching 8 poor children of this place; to which a private gentleman added 50s. a year, and another person 6s. A third gave 5s. a year to buy books, and a gentleman of Loughborough two annual Bibles.
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There are three large schools beside the free-school.
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Houses 204, inhabitants 978, and (plough) teams 19 (in 1793).
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There are three Dissenting meeting-houses.
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The oldest standing is that of the Quakers; but, as there are none of that sect living in the village, it is now converted into a blacksmith's house and shop; the burial-ground into a yard and garden.
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The second belongs to a congregation of General Baptists, of which the Rev. Edward Pyke is the minister, to whom I am obliged for some useful information.
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And the third to the people called Methodists, connected with the late John Wesley."
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Nichols then outlines the monies raised and paid upon the poor in the parish. In the footnotes he makes a point of highlighting the steady increase in poor rates...
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"Mr. Ward, one of the principal farmers, informed me, that in 1795 (when corn was dear) the assessments paid from his farm, for the relief of the poor, exceeded the sums collected in the whole parish for that purpose 35 years before!"
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From here Nichols records the history of the Parish church in great detail, taking three and a half pages to do so, as well as documenting monumental inscriptions. He finishes by inserting a biography of Ralph Heathcote, late vicar of Sileby.
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http://specialcollections.le.ac.uk/digital/collection/p15407coll6/id/6752/rec/6
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1840
T R Potter, Walks Around Loughborough p27
Walk from Barrow upon Soar to Cossington
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“At the distance of a mile and a half from Barrow is SILEBY, an extensive village, with a population half manufacturing and half agricultural. It is a place that presents little worthy of notice save the Church and Parsonage, and it is only to direct the reader to the loveliest village in the county (Cossington!), if not in the country, that we are led to include it in our Walks.”
1881
Leicester Chronicle, 14th May 1881
"The Villages of North Leicestershire
Sileby
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Villages are mostly of one uniform plan. They usually consist of a few scores or hundreds of more or less pretentious dwellings fringing a main road, with, in the more populous cases, a few short lanes diverging off at right angles. In the case of Sileby the plan is different. A few minutes’ journey upon the main line of the Midland Railway covers the seven miles between the county town and this large village, and enables the visitor to alight at its station. This is approached on each side by a lofty bridge, and has been erected at such an elevation as to supply a commanding and comprehensive view of the whole district. Lingering upon the platform this pleasant afternoon upon the threshold of “rosy-footed May,” one can realize at a glance the general outline of Sileby. This is at once observed to be neither straight, nor partially curved, but circular. In other words, descending from the station to the street, one can turn to the left; pass down through the principal thoroughfare; veer still round by the left by the side of the rivulet by which the parish is watered; and continue this circuitous course along the dwelling lined thoroughfare, until he regains the railway station from a direction entirely opposite to that by which he left it. Looking down upon the village from this point of vantage, one beholds a singularity diversified spectacle.
The centre of the circle is filled by a few acres of grass and allotment ground, studded with fruit trees heavy with snow-white blossom. The circumference is bordered by structures as miscellaneous as their architecture. The vast majority of course represent dwellings of widely-different dates, from the dingy old thatched and timber “framed” cottage of a byegone century, to the improved new brick cottage of yesterday. These are relieved at intervals by framework-knitters’ workrooms or small factories. Towering above the whole, like Tritons among the minnows, are the handsome parish church, a large and commodious villa, and – a brewery; while stretching away in the distance are the pleasant outlines of the Wolds and Charnwood Hills. Of the history of Sileby a good deal is known, but it includes little that is noteworthy. The manor of Cilebi, Siglebi, or Sylebi – as it has been variously rendered – was in olden times held by the Mowbrays: thence it passed to the Berkeleys. In 1586 it was given by Henry Lord Berkeley, on his daughter’s marriage, to his son-in-law George Shirley, an ancestor of its present owner Earl Ferrers. His Lordship as one time held a court here every three years, but it is stated that no manorial rights have now been claimed here for nearly half a century. In 1759 the parish was enclosed by Act of Parliament. It is in the Hundred of East Goscote, and now consists of 2,190 acres of land, described as “partly clay and partly good turnip and barley soil.” At the census of 1871 the population numbered 1,766, and occupied 409 houses. the staple industry of the village is hosiery. As one passes along its streets the characteristic periodic whirr of the frame issues from one dwelling after another, and in one or two instances this measured monotonous strain merges into the continuous “din” of the village factory.
The most striking object of interest in Sileby is of course its parish church. But before entering the edifice, the visitor cannot but be struck by a picturesque old elm, which, with the return of “flowering May,” is once more assuming its garb of delicious greenery. How many centuries this village patriarch has braved the winter’s blast, or afforded a welcome shelter from a scorching summer’s sun, it is impossible to say. But this at all events is evident – it is now a mere wreck of its former majesty and beauty. True the trunk of this village monarch still measures some 30feet. It is however a mere skeleton, being from top to bottom entirely hollow. All that now remains is the outer bark; but, Phoenix-like, from this mere shell is still springing vigorous young branches and fresh foliage. The old elm appears to be still regarded as a sort of village trysting-place or cross, for here on a favourable afternoon may often be seen groups of the less busy villagers watching the new arrivals, or leisurely discussing the latest instalment of general news or local gossip.
St Mary’s church is a handsome and imposing edifice. It dates from the period of the Decorated Gothic style, but received additions in the subsequent Perpendicular order, which prevailed from the year 1400 down to about 1558. The church consists of chancel, north and south chapels with quasi transepts; north and south aisles, and tower. The whole has recently undergone a judicious and thorough restoration, at a cost of about £6,000, under the superintendence of Mr. Blomfield, the eminent London architect, and now presents a chaste and effective appearance…
Adjoining is the vicarage, which has been characterised as a “delightful residence”. This was at one time occupied by the Rev. Norman Pochin, and its garden was then far famed for its roses… Within a stone’s-throw are the National schools. These, with a suitable house for the master, were erected of Mountsorrel granite in 1860, at a cost of £1,200, which was raised by subscription. In 1874 an infants' school was added at an expense of £500. The whole will accomodate 350 children...
No fewer than four chapels provide for the religious wants of the Nonconformists. A couple of years ago the village became the headquarters of a new (Primitive Methodist) circuit... (and) embraces 315 members and seven connexional chapels. The Wesleyan Chapel "fronts" the High Street... The General Baptists have also a small chapel, which dates from around 1820... In 1874 a tastefully designed Roman Catholic school-room was built here, and is supplemented by a mistress's residence... on Sunday is utilised for the ordinary services of the Church of Rome, worship being conducted by priests from Ratcliffe College...
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The newest educational institution in the village is that known as the Undenominational Schools, erected through the munificence of Mr Caloe, for the "sole use and benefit" of the inhabitants... Here over a score of infants, ranging from the tender age of fifteen months up to three years, are taken care of from morning till noon and from two to about four, while their mothers are at work. On reaching three years they become recruits for the ordinary classes... to commence the usual career of school life... Mr Style, the master is doing more than steadily improving the size and efficiency of the school... he can already boast a Band of Hope...and a Drum and Fife Band... Since July either a lecture or an entertainment has been given each alternative Saturday... (He) also contemplates the establishment of a reading room and cafe.
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On April 1st 1878, a Burial Board was established...the members bought two and a half acres of land near the village, which they laid out as a cemetery... In 1868, Sileby was provided with gas by means of a local company. The works were erected adjacent to the High Street...
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Of friendly societies there are several. The oldest, the Good Intent Lodge of Druids, was established in 1833. There is among others, a lodge of Druidesses... a branch of the Nottingham Friendly Society... and lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, entitled the "Star of Hope." The village has in addition, had various co-operative land societies... many scores of the more industrious and thrifty working men have been enabled to obtain allotments, and become in a small way their landlords... Sileby has shown its interest in the great political questions of the day by forming its own auxiliary of the North Leicestershire Liberal Association.
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As for charities, Sileby has eight. Of these the principal is the Rev. Wm. Staveley's... Lane's charity amounts to £48 per annum... The other bequests are unimportant...
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In conclusion, though Sileby is in some respects not so historically noteworthy as some of the rural parishes to which reference has been made, it is not without its claims to the attention of the antiquary and the modern inquirer into the growth and development of village life.
May 2nd, 1880. RAMBLER."
1895
Anonymous, 'Sileby', in the Ratcliffian Magazine (October 1895) p313-316
“That distance lends to enchantment to the view is especially true of Sileby. All visitors to the College (Ratcliffe College) are delighted with the prospect from Mount Pleasant near the back gate. From there the landscape is extensive; for one looks down and across the valley of the Soar, past Mount Sorrel, and up the rising ground to the range of Charnwood Forest Hills which form the horizon...
In the midst of such surroundings lies the village of Sileby; and O that it were worthy of them! (the beautiful landscape and villages in view). For even a mere casual acquaintance with its dirty streets and rude inhabitants is enough to annihilate all poetic feelings. The dirt and rudeness of Sileby are in the ascendant all the year round... From whatever direction one may approach Sileby, one must descend to get into the centre of the village... From the railway station platform one looks down upon the chimneys of the village and from there the semi circle of rising grounds, cut up with allotment gardens on one hand and brickyards on the other, is strikingly noticeable, while, towards the centre, the cemetery ascends the slope, and at the very bottom of the hollow the village covers the ground... There can be no doubt therefore that Sileby is a low place...
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Sileby church is a truly noble building for such a village...
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The hosiers of Sileby were induced to join the Union some time ago, and now the hosiery trade of the village is languishing. The shoe-makers, whose trade is comparatively new to the place, are determined to keep their independence.
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Another hint, which may possibly instruct parish councillors, some of whom have caught the craze for small freeholds, is contained in a short conversation that took place in a railway carriage as the train was leaving Sileby station. A gentleman, who had come from a distance, asked a native, who had just got into the carriage :
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"What is the trade carried on in this village?"
"Hosiery and shoes, about half and half."
"Oh," said the stranger, "the homes look so irregular and delapidated, that is the reason I asked."
"Aye," responded the villager, in a desponding tone, "there are so many of them little bits of freeholds"...
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Little boy : "Which is the largest room in Sileby?"
Answer : "The room for improvement." "
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1931
Leicester Evening Mail, 21st August 1931
Looking at Leicestershire - 14
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Sileby is So Pessimistic
A VILLAGE THAT HAS GIVEN UP TRYING
(by Lavengro)
“With a compact and pleasingly designed layout, and with the old Sileby merged unobtrusively into an area of wide streets, imposing public buildings and up-to-date business premises, this village has potentialities unequalled by any other community in the locality. But Sileby people apparently choose to disregard this; on every hand one hears the exposition of pessimestic views, and there appears an utter absence of constructive policy as to the future - to such an extent that the visitor is given an impression that the present stage of progress has been reached by accident rather than by intent.
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In reality there is every cause for optimism and a determination for solid growth. Sileby's situation is highly favourable in comparison with that of many villages from a trading standpoint; far enough removed from the magnetism of Leicester and Loughborough for their appeal to be weakened in effect; with a local population of appreciable size, in addition to those of neighbouring hamlets who might easily be educated to look upon Sileby as a trading and industrial centre.
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Shopping facilities are surprisingly up-to-date and comprehensive, and in several cases there is a noteworthy enterprise shown in window displays and in the supply of goods and service over a much wider area than the actual village.
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Extensions have been carried out tastefully, and with the elimination of one or two sharp corners, and a few improvements in the neighbourhood of Brook- street, the local Council will have every reason for satisfaction with the general appearance of Sileby.
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The activities of Anglican, Nonconformist and Roman Catholic sects are keenly supported, and the buildings themselves are well-designed structures serving to beautify their surroundings. the parish church is a land-mark for several miles around, and from its position on the southern boundary of the village there is visible a fine stretch of the Charnwood Hills.
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For some time there have been complaints of the lack of interest shown by young people in local social activities, but in spite of this their continued promotion has been marked by an optimistic idea that there would be an increase of localised patriotism.
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In this respect, as in others, Sileby is favourable placed, and while there is a measure of enthusiasm in some branches of sport, there is room for a much greater development of the facilities afforded.
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The intersection of the village by the lofty railway embankment gives an altogether false impression of size, for the northern side is of a considerable extent, and in this part are situated a number of factories which absorb a good proportion of local labour.
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Both the hosiery and footwear manufacturers have installed modern plant methods, in scientifically designed buidings.
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In its possession of a varied market for local labour, Sileby is indeed fortunate.
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The two roads leading northward over the hills are becoming attractive building sites, and beyond there lies enchantment for the beholder in the sight of tiny- old-world hamlets among a typically rural setting.
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In all directions Sileby is bordered by pleasant countryside, and one could wish that its people could become more keenly appreciative of their own advantages and of the fact that the future of this desireable village rests largely upon their efforts.”
1959
Loughborough Monitor, Friday 6th March 1959
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"Life and People in Sileby (Part One)
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Some people say Sileby villagers are industrious and thrifty, others say they are generous and friendly... it all boils down to the fact that Sileby is a go-ahead little place with a lot of go-ahead people living there.
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Industry is the mainstay of life in Sileby... Shoe manufacturing is the chief industry, but there is plenty of other work in the village. Hosiery firms produce a large amount of goods for home and overseas markets, while other industries provide diversity of employment to suit all.
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Largest of the Sileby shoe manufacturers is Newbold and Burton Ltd... There are branches in Grantham and Loughborough and the Sileby works employs about 700 men and women, who have inherited their shoe-making skills from their ancestors... A subsidiary of the firm is Lawson Ward and Co., Ltd., in Seagrave Road, Sileby, which employs 140 workers. The two companies produce 1.25* million pairs of shoes a year with some being exported to the West Indies, the Continent and Eire...
Between them, Mr Alfred Marston... and his sister, Lizzie... have together more than 80 years' service at Newbold and Burtons... "As a native of Sileby, I think it's all right," said Mr Marston. "I have always been struck by the generosity and friendliness of the people here. They are all industrious and I think that's partly the reason for the prosperity of the place."
"At the local junior school, in King Street, the headmaster, Mr L. Harrington, and his staff of eight, teach 250 children... In 13 years Mr Harrington has come to respect the people of the village for their generosity. "They are particularly keen on the welfare of their children," he added, looking at a classroom of healthy, happy, well clothed children."
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"Parish Councillor Mr Arthur Trasler was at the (Excelsior Boot and Shoe Manufacturing Society) for 42 years... He has been a member of the parish council for 28 years and served on Barrow Rural District Council for nine years. "There is no place like Sileby," he says after living there for 60 years."
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"Few would expect to find a wallpaper factory in the middle of a shoe-making area, but Melody Mills Ltd... is part of the village and produces miles and miles of wall coverings. "
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"Had Sileby not been so close to Leicester and Loughborough it would long ago become a town in its own right."
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*the article says 1¼ million, changed to decimal for clarity.​
1959
Loughborough Monitor, Friday 13th March 1959
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"Life and People in Sileby (Part Two)
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Sileby folk organise their social activities as efficiently as their industry. There is plenty to do in Sileby, both for young and old, with sports clubs, recreation clubs, educational organisations, church activities and in fact, practically anything any small town or a village could wish for."
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"The vicar, the Rev Raymond G. Hunting... has found his parish to be a great one for loyalty and work. He told how an appeal made last April for £1,350 to decorate and restore the church. By Christmas the money had all been raised by eager workers or donated by generous villagers.
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The boys club is under the wing of the National Association of Boys' Clubs, and has a membership of about 30. They meet several times a week to play billiards, darts, draughts, table tennis, and other games in addition to learning handicrafts.
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For the girls there is the Sileby branch of the Girls' Friendly Society where handicrafts are also taught. the girls have won a number of awards in competitions.
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The choirmaster is Mr Ray Kendrick, who took over last year from Mr Charles Goss... who retired after 52 years as organist and choirmaster."
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"Meeting place for the old folk of Sileby is the Evergreen Club which started in 1951 at the Village Institute. With the backing and gifts of many people in the village it is becoming a prosperous club... With a membership of 200 the club is open every morning and afternoon... Four committees, covering social activities, catering, visits to the sick and management, cater for the work of the club... One of the highlights of the year is the annual holiday, and this year a party of 25 will spend a week in Yarmouth."
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"Popular spot with the young folk is the Futurist Cinema, in Swan Street, where twice a week rock 'n roll sessions are held for about 100 teenagers. On another night, old tyme dancing is equally popular, while films are shown other nights.
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Scouting and guiding are also popular with the young people. Mr A.D. Hart is group scoutmaster of Sileby Scouts, while his wife Veronica, is captain of the girl guide company and cubmaster. There are 65 cubs and scouts in the group which meets at the new Brook Street Headquarters... about 30 guides meet at the infants school under Mrs Hart, who is assisted by Mrs Edith (Popsy) Gilbert."
"Among the many other organisations for the young people are sports clubs, Sileby Boys' Brigade, St. John Ambulance and a Methodist Church Youth Club.
The youth club meets at High Street where a large number of teenagers enjoy games and dancing.
At both Methodist churches, High Street and King Street, activities are varied, while more than 250 children attend the two Sunday schools, and congregations are always large."
"Sileby Bowling Club... has a fine green, on which many county matches are played, and a comfortable pavilion. A mixed club, it has between 60 and 70 members, many of whom have played for their county in the past few years.
The village also has successful football and cricket clubs, and an angling club whose members fish regularly in the nearby River Soar.
Sileby people are proud of their village and its sons, who have done many outstanding things in the past.
There are always too many things going on in Sileby to mention them all... But one we must not forget is the united Sunday school outing which is a highlight of the year for all children in the village. Organised by Miss Florence Bates, more than 800 children from all Sunday schools in the village are taken on an annual outing to the seaside."
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"there are (also) thriving Catholic and Baptist Churches, a Townswomen's Guild, a town band, British Legion and other organisations, catering for the welfare and interests of the people."
1970
W G Hoskins, A Shell Guide : Leicestershire p99
“Sileby is one of the unloveliest villages one could find anywhere : a Midland industrial village, red-brick, dreary.”
1977
J H Palmer, 'A Portrait of Sileby' reprinted in the Ratcliffian Magazine (April 1979) p16-18
“Following the Second World War Sileby began to lose its village life and rapidly took on the aura of urbanisation.
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[Then] came nationalisation of services, the railways, the gas company, the electricity company, were all taken over, and with nationalisation came centralisation, we lost our railway station under the Beeching axe, our gas office was transferred to Leicester, our electricity office to Loughborough and eventually to Shepshed. The Wesleyan Chapel was closed for want of faith. The Evergeen Club was formed for the benefit of the old - all part of the general urbanisation and at the present time, in this year of our Lord, 1977, Sileby, the erstwhile village, a village no longer, a conurbation of some six to seven thousand souls, has just celebrated the Silver Jubilee of our Queen Elizabeth II.”
1989
Lawrie Simpkin, Leicestershire & Rutland Heritage, No. 2 (Spring 1989), p20-22
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"Sileby, a village of contrasts
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Sileby will never, ever, win a beautiful village prize. It is really a small industrial town with close to 8,000 residents. It is not a village which often makes the headlines...
After living in Leicestershire for more than a quarter of a century, Sileby was one of a tiny number of villages that I had never visited. And, candidly, the first impression was that perhaps I should not go back again.
If I were ever destined to live there, I think the first thing I would do would be to finance a body repair shop for motor vehicles. That horrible bend between St Marys Church and the Liberal Club must be worth a fortune and some of the other roads would be splendid ground for driving tests with the natives and visitors adding to the chaos by abandoning rather than parking cars when there is a very nice car park behind the posh Co-op!"
"Planning is not a word that has appeared in the vocabulary of debate about the village, that is certain. Sileby has happened. They built homes and they built somewhere to work. They mixed them up and they continue to mix them. Footwear (increasingly less of it), textiles (on the up again) and engineering are all there with a row of terraced homes one side and expensive 'executive dwellings' the other. Only on the fringes, away from the wretched highway torture chamber, is there a more 'normal' village image with lovely approaches from most directions. At the Seagrave end there is a clearly defined new 'estate' which gets high marks for neatness.
But there seemed more life in the more mixed areas where half a dozen council-owned homes are cheek by jowl with homes highly mortgaged. Sadly, some of the local lads are louts, they told me.
Clearly they don't believe in waste in Sileby. A Wesleyan chapel dating back to 1884 is the Community Hall and Sports Centre and some of the village's bigger houses are now residential homes for the elderly, the sick or occupied by local professionals such as the dentist.
Shoppers seem well catered for, especially if you want to buy excellent meat, bread and cakes, newspapers and quite expensive houses. From the evident prosperity of the abundant take-aways, the good ladies of Sileby have no objections to their men folk taking in fish and chips or something more exotic when they leave one of the six pubs I counted; never mind the clubs. Bunter's wine bar with its offer of "freshly made" tea appealed instantly and the pub I chose was the thatched Free Trade Inn where the portions were enormous but the welcome guarded. But the talk was of Rugby!
But, I like the place... or rather I like the Sileby people. It is grubby but it has a heart. Although they don't swank and show off about Sileby they are a community and a caring one at that.”
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"the Vicar, the Rev Alan Turner a former navigator on Canberras and V bombers in the RAF and now an unashamedly evangelical member of the Church in his first senior important appointment... began in Sileby's team ministry two years ago and has seen £8,000 raised in 12 months to refurbish the Church tower.
Rome has St Gregory's and the free churches have the Methodists in King Street and the Baptists. There is, I am told, a fine ecumenical spirit at large with public witness well supported. But you would expect clergymen, publicans and civic leaders to tell you nice things about their village - unless they wanted to lose at the next election or get back an empty collection plate.
So it was ordinary folk and their actions that convinced me that there was care and compassion there. Perhaps the clincher was the obvious support, on notice boards and in shop windows, for the village appeal for £5,000 for a turbo wheel chair for a young cerebral palsy sufferer... Within a few weeks of launch the target was in sight and the support was in shops, clubs, pubs and offices.
That is really what it's all about.
Sileby is not a commuter area, it is not a place where people only sleep, but where they live a greater slice of their day. That, I am convinced, is what has put the heart in Sileby. A lesson here for all developers."
1994
Loughborough Echo, 3rd June 1994, p20
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"Village that has proud traditions and deep roots
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Into Sileby proper and there is little of the traditional country village image. Small hosiery factories and engineering works peep out at the visitor from the terraced housing along some of the streets leading off from the village centre. Occasionally there is the rigid outline of an industrial chimney against the skyline.
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Sileby is a working village - some would say a working class village with proud traditions and deep roots.
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Recent years, however, have seen inevitable changes - whether from competition, the recession or sheer, economic necessity. Sileby's shoe factories have nearly all closed, although there is still something of the hosiery industry left.
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I am told there was a time in the late fifties and early sixties when the village streets would have been thronging at midday with shoe and hosiery workers making their way home for lunch.
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Now, instead, small engineering units have sprung up, with local traders, it's said, pointing to a slimmed down local economy.
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Some shop windows along the High Street stare, vacantly, and there is concern that factory closures over the years have seen the local labour force travelling out of Sileby to work, taking their spending power with them. It is, perhaps, understandable then, that plans for a food store have met with fierce opposition, with some traders calling for an investment in local manufacturing, rather than in yet another food outlet likely to exacerbate the problems of the local shopkeepers.
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A sign of the times, Sileby has grown rapidly since the end of the last war, its present population at about 7,000, with new housing to cope...
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The village has a vigorous community, they will tell you, with a strong sense of identity. there are youth clubs, sports associations, social events, six pubs and four churches.
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It augers well for Sileby's future that it is appears to be thriving."
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2002
Various, The Sileby Village Appraisal : Report p6
“Sileby is a village in the river Soar valley.... with a population of almost 10,000... the valley has a long and complex history embracing mineral wealth and fertile agricultural land... Beyond the characteristics of most other UK villages the most significant physical modelling of Sileby as we find it at the end of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st has occurred as a result of the growth of industry and manufacturing activities... Sileby was once known as the largest industrial village in the UK. Village industries and labour sustained brickworks and maltings, as well as hosiery, footwear and wallpaper factories. This industrial activity became a large employer with broad prosperity and tremendous diversity of skills.
However, if some of the villagers appear angry, frustrated or aggrieved at their modern inheritance it is easy to see why.
The village has lost more than 2,000 jobs in the last 25 years, and as a result the dynamic of the village social life has been torn apart, the retail economy has collapsed to an alarming state, and the centre of the village has lost its traditional purpose and meaning. Large areas adjacent to the village centre are dominated by redundant industrial buildings and developers are moving in to exploit brownfield sites for housing development. Whilst such development is understood, many villagers feel angry at the lack of modern community facilities and that development is opportunistic, piecemeal and without social gain for the village.”
1935
Leicester Evening Mail, 3rd October 1935
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The Industrial Pivot of Leicestershire
Sileby’s Tradition of Good Craftsmanship
(by Neroli Whittle)
“Sileby is satisfied that it is the pivot of industrial Leicestershire : that in industry there is not another village to hold a candle to it... Noted chiefly for its manufacture of hosiery and boots and shoes, the village possesses no less than 18 factories... From a small village of hard working framework knitters, Sileby has grown to supreme importance in the county’s industry by sheer force of character. And Sileby is proud of it.
The village is justly proud, also, of its handsome 14th century church, of its progressive, up-to-date school, and of the local employment figures... Countless numbers of workers from Leicester pour into the village every morning to earn their daily bread. “Prove it,” said one villager, “by inquiring at railway stations about season tickets to Sileby!”
Further, the village claims to have two of the finest brass bands in the county; and here is another cause for pride; the local versifier, whose couplets flow from his pen on all topics, wrote a Jubilee poem to the King, and received an acknowledgement from Buckingham Palace.
Sileby claims also to be the most helpful of all villages to the Leicester Royal Infirmary, working in the cause all through the winter, and now engaged on a scheme for supporting a fifth bed in the hospital.
As framework knitting was the original staple industry here, it follows that the most experienced inhabitants are all one-time stockingers...
There was scarcely a cottage in Sileby that had not its workshop where the whole family was engaged from dawn till night, working at top speed... Here was a village where every new-born baby had for its lullaby the thuds and shunting sounds of ponderous hand frames…
Now here is a villager of 86 who has retained her youthful charm and vivacity. Asked the reason for this miracle she smiles and replies :
“Ah! we had the best mother in the world! She took care of us! We were sent to bed early and were never up as late as 9 o’clock!”... She smiles as she recalls the prettiness of crinoline days. Her mother went to chapel in pattens, her bonnet tied on with a scarf…
At the church stile on summer evenings the village men would foregather, and then in sixes and sevens would walk around the village exchanging gossip and stories of the day’s work… The most popular personalities in the village today are the vicar and the schoolmaster.
The children love school and like to stay till late in the afternoon. They have a lovely lily pond, a school garden, and have organised a splendid orchestra, which plays both classical and modern music... The scholars are given freedom of expression in woodwork, verse and story writing, and produce a splendid school magazine.
A love of sport is evident in the village and old cricketers have interesting tales to tell…
A unique feature of Sileby is its number of bridges. There are so many overhead, road, and brook bridges that no villager has counted them... Has any village as many bridges? In history this village bridges the past and native industriousness will surely be a bridge by which Sileby will cross to a future of prosperity.”
1964
Sileby Parish Council, 'Sileby' village guide p7-8
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2018
Various, Sileby Neighbourhood Plan 2018-2036 : Submission Version
p26 - "Sileby is a large village in Leicestershire which is defined in the discussion paper ‘Towards a Local Plan for Charnwood’ as one of six Service Centres within the settlement hierarchy... Six settlements (in Charnwood) are identified as Service Centres; Anstey, Barrow Upon Soar, Mountsorrel, Sileby, Rothley and Quorn. These settlements are the Borough’s largest villages and all have a population of more than 3,000 people and all have a range of services and facilities to meet most of the day to day needs of the community and good accessibility to services not available within the settlement.
The 2011 Census data shows Sileby had a population of 7835 residents which is 4.72% of the Charnwood total. The population has increased by 16.14% in the 16 years since the previous census in 1995 along with a 5% growth of the total of the share of Charnwood’s population. In 2011 Sileby had a housing stock of 3390 houses which was 4.89% of Charnwood’s total stock. This is slightly above the population share (houses divided by people) of 4.72%.
At this time, Sileby had a housing to population percentage of 43.27% compared to a Charnwood proportion of 41.72% this has enabled future population growth to inform the future new build residential requirements."
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p18 - “At the time of the 2011 Census, Sileby was home to around 7,835 residents living in 3,390 households. Analysis of the Census data suggests that between 2001 and 2011 the parish population grew by around 14% (958 people). During this period the number of dwellings rose by 18% (507). Furthermore, a more recent and alternative data source suggests the number of people living in the parish has continued to grow, increasing by around 270 between 2011 and 2014, representing a 3% population growth rate.
The area has a higher than average concentration of working age residents and school age children. There is evidence that the population is ageing and in line with national trends the local population is likely to get older as average life expectancy continues to rise.
There is evidence of under-occupancy in the Parish and a predominance of semi-detached housing and low value council tax banded properties.
There is evidence of some overcrowding in households with dependent children.
Analysis of Land Registry data shows indication of significant housing development with new build residential sales representing 17% of all recorded residential sales between 1995 and 2015. Home ownership is relatively high and there is a particularly high share of households who own their homes with a mortgage or loan."
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p31 to 32 - "Home ownership levels are relatively high with around 76% of households owning their homes outright or with a mortgage or loan. This is above the district (72%), regional (67%) and national (63%) rates.
Data from the 2011 Census shows the Parish to have a higher than average concentration of semi-detached residential dwellings (43%) which is above the district (39%), regional (35%) and national (31%) shares. There is also a higher than average proportion of terraced housing accounting for over 27% of the housing stock against 19% for the district, 21% for the region and 25% nationally. Detached housing represents around 20% of residential housing stock which is close to the 22% national rate but somewhat lower than the district (30%) and region (32%) rates. Detached and semi-detached represent 63% of the total housing stock in the Sileby Parish whereas terraced housing and flats provide 37% of accommodation spaces."
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p61 - "Sileby has 2 Primary Schools (Redlands Primary School and Highgate Primary School) and a small specialist College (Homefield College) that supports individuals with Learning disabilities. Both Primary schools have relatively new Headteachers who are bringing bold and progressive changes to the schools and looking to work more collaboratively for the benefit of students of Sileby. The schools are the only secure community infrastructures where resources for sports and creative arts can preside. Each Primary school is expanding its services and will achieve a maximum capacity of 420 pupils and doing so will require further investment in order to provide the high level of quality education our children deserve in Sileby."
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p62 - "Currently Sileby has 2 Medical Centres and the equivalent of less than 4 full time GP’s between them. Both practices are situated in buildings in locations where they have restricted planning.
The population of Sileby is now 10,000 people with a life expectancy of 80+ and yet there has been no increase in the number of GPs or provision of additional premises to cope with the growing population number or the demands of complex medical conditions being cared for in the community."
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p74 - "Sileby is a semi-rural parish with limited employment opportunities and close to the significant employment centre of Loughborough and the cities of Leicester, Nottingham and Derby."
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