West of New Walk

Now predominantly part of the professional and University quarter of Leicester, the area west of New Walk comprising Princess Road, West Walk, Regent Road, De Montfort Street and Salisbury Road was once one of the most desirable and sought-after areas of the town. Wealthy business and professional families made their homes there, and commissioned Leicester’s leading architects to design handsome and spacious houses. A glance at old directories will show names that have gone down in Leicester’s history once lived here: Faire, Lorrimer, Wykes, Corah, Morley, Gimson, Kempson, Ellis, Clephan, Pickard and Gittins, are just a few.

Neil Crutchley will lead us on what promises to be a revealing journey of discovery, as this area, despite its great interest, both architecturally and socially, was soon eclipsed by the burgeoning suburb of Stoneygate where larger plots and even grander houses became irresistible to those who were able to afford them

Start at 10.30am at the statue of Robert Hall, De Montfort Square, Leicester LE1 7GD

Finish Opposite Victoria Park at 12.30pm