Blaby

Settlement in Leicestershire Blaby

England

Blaby

The Lime Tree in Whetstone Public House on Cambridge Road, formally called the Kaffir Inn.
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3926091">SP5596 : The Kaffir Inn on Cambridge Road, Whetstone</a> — The Lime Tree in Whetstone Credit: Mat Fascione

Blaby is a small town located in the county of Leicestershire, in the East Midlands region of England. Situated approximately five miles south of the city of Leicester, it falls within the district of Blaby. The town has a population of around 6,000 residents.

Historically, Blaby has been a significant settlement since ancient times. Evidence suggests that it was inhabited as early as the Iron Age, with traces of Roman occupation also found in the area. The town's name is derived from the Old Norse word "bla," meaning "blue," and the Old English word "by," meaning "farm" or "settlement."

Today, Blaby is a thriving community with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The town center features a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities, providing for the needs of both locals and visitors. The surrounding countryside is characterized by picturesque landscapes, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Blaby benefits from excellent transport links, with the M1 motorway running nearby, connecting it to other major cities in the region. The town is also served by several bus routes, providing convenient access to neighboring areas.

In terms of education, Blaby has a number of primary schools within its boundaries, as well as secondary schools in nearby villages. The town is also home to the Blaby and Whetstone Boys Club, a renowned sports facility.

Overall, Blaby is a charming town with a rich history, offering a pleasant living environment and easy access to both rural and urban amenities.

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Blaby Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.575733/-1.163343 or Grid Reference SP5697. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Lime Tree in Whetstone

Public House on Cambridge Road, formally called the Kaffir Inn. SP5596 : The Kaffir Inn on Cambridge Road, Whetstone

Mat Fascione

The Birmingham-Peterborough cross-country line entering Leicester from the south-west

Tim Heaton

Footpath over Simpkin's Bridge

The footpath, from Blaby, crosses the Grand Union Canal, and the railway line from Birmingham (gate ahead) to enter the City of Leicester (Eyres Monsell ward)

Tim Heaton

Simpkin's Bridge, Grand Union Canal

Tim Heaton

Glen Parva Manor (pub restaurant)

Listed Grade II "Late C16 or early C17 core extended c1860 and modernised" Link

. "Sizable countryside restaurant/bar with outdoor seats and pub grub from grills to global classics." Link

Tim Heaton

The Ford, Glen Parva

Crossing the River Sence

Tim Heaton

Church of St Thomas the Apostle, South Wigston

Listed Grade II "1892-3 with tower of 1901, by Stockdale Harrison" Link

Tim Heaton

South Wigston War Memorial

Listed Grade II. "The aftermath of the First World War saw the biggest single wave of public commemoration ever with tens of thousands of memorials erected across England. This was the result of both the huge impact on communities of the loss of 750,000 British lives, and also the official policy of not repatriating the dead which meant that the memorials provided the main focus of the grief felt at this great loss. One such memorial was raised at South Wigston, as a permanent testament to the sacrifice made by the 106 members of the parishes of South Wigston and Glen Parva who lost their lives in the First World War" Unveiled in 1923, and altered in 1951 to commemorate a further 51 lives lost in the Second World War. Link

Tim Heaton

Ye Olde Bakers Arms in Blaby

A thatched pub dating from 1485.

Mat Fascione

A426 Leicester Road, Blaby Bridge

Roy Hughes

Narrowboats at Blue Bank Lock No 37

The Leicester section branches off the main line at Braunston and it is 66 miles long with 59 locks (including two five chamber staircase locks at Foxton) and two tunnels. Near Leicester it continues into the River Soar, and briefly along the River Wreake. The navigation then proceeds along the river, with some canalised diversions, to Loughborough and the River Trent south of Long Eaton.

Mat Fascione