Market Harborough

Market Harborough is a market town in Leicestershire, England, upon the River Welland. It has a population of 20,785 (2001 census), and is the administrative headquarters of the Harborough district.

Related Topics:
Leicestershire - England - River Welland - Harborough

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Market Harborough is located in a rural part of south Leicestershire right next to the Northamptonshire border, and is roughly 15 miles (24 km) south of Leicester. The town is near the A14 main road and is also served by the Midland Main Line railway. There is also a branch of the Grand Union Canal which terminates in the town. Nearby to the town are the famous Foxton Locks.

Related Topics:
Northamptonshire - Leicester - A14 - Midland Main Line - Grand Union Canal - Foxton Locks

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Market Harborough was founded in the 12th century as a market town to provide a market to boost the economy of the surrounding area. It once had a clothes making industry, with corsets being made in the town. The factory where they were made is behind the Old Grammar School in the photo - it is now used as a library.

Related Topics:
12th century - Market town - Market - Corsets

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One of the town's most notable features is an unusual grammar school dating from 1614 located in the town centre which stands on wooden stilts. The underside was once used as a butter market. The school was founded by Robert Smyth, who after leaving the town became Lord Mayor of London. The school that is descended from that original now caters for 13-18 year-olds and is called the Robert Smyth School (once upon a time it was the King Edward VII Grammar School). The school badge is the arms of the City of London.

Related Topics:
Grammar school - 1614 - Stilts - Lord Mayor of London - Robert Smyth School

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