Launde

Civil Parish in Leicestershire Harborough

England

Launde

Farmhouse at Oxey Farm Credit: Neil Theasby

Launde is a civil parish located in the county of Leicestershire, England. Situated in the East Midlands region, it covers an area of approximately 6.5 square kilometers. The parish is part of the Harborough district and is surrounded by scenic countryside.

The village of Launde is home to a small population and is known for its picturesque landscapes. It is situated near the eastern edge of the Charnwood Forest, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The area is characterized by rolling hills, woodland, and open fields, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

One notable landmark in Launde is Launde Abbey, a former Augustinian priory that dates back to the 12th century. The abbey is now a retreat and conference center, offering visitors a tranquil setting and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Despite being a relatively small parish, Launde is well-connected to neighboring towns and cities. The village is located just off the A47 road, providing convenient access to Leicester, which is approximately 20 kilometers to the west, and Peterborough, which is around 50 kilometers to the east.

In terms of amenities, Launde has a village hall and a primary school, serving the local community. The village also benefits from being in close proximity to the town of Market Harborough, where residents can find a wider range of shops, restaurants, and other services.

Overall, Launde is a charming and peaceful civil parish that offers a rural escape with easy access to larger towns and cities in Leicestershire.

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Launde Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.630379/-0.832159 or Grid Reference SK7904. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmhouse at Oxey Farm

Neil Theasby

Harvest time in the parish of Loddington

A tractor and trailer pursue a combine harvester ready to collect grain.

Neil Theasby

Road junction in Loddington

Neil Theasby

Launde Abbey

Built on the site of an Augustinian priory, this grand house is now a Christian retreat and conference centre.

Neil Theasby

Detail of a sculpture at Launde Abbey

Seen in the gardens behind the large country house that was built for Thomas Cromwell during the reign of King Henry VIII. The bronze statue is called "Welcoming Christ". It is 2.5m high and 2.5m wide. In 2019, it replaced an identical statue which dated back to the late 1950s. It was originally created as a bronze resin cast by Tita Maddon (née Dawson).

Neil Theasby

Launde Upper Reservoir

The highest of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey's septic tank just above the top pond.

Stephen Craven

Launde Upper Reservoir - drawoff

A drawoff valve tower and footbridge. For context, see SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir.

Stephen Craven

Launde Upper Reservoir - overflow

The overflow consists of a stone-surfaced dip in the crest of the earth embankment. For context, see SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir.

Stephen Craven

Launde Middle Reservoir

The middle of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey's septic tank just above the top pond. This view is from the earth embankment of the upper reservoir SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir - overflow.

Stephen Craven

Ice House at Launde Abbey

The brick-built ice house is no longer in use, but is situated adjacent to the upper reservoir SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir from which ice would have been taken in winter. It is listed grade 2 (list entry number 1177990).

Stephen Craven

Launde Abbey, front

The present house is built on the site of a medieval abbey, but is in fact a 17th century manor house with 19th century additions. It is listed grade 2* (list entry number 1074857). It is now used as an Anglican retreat centre. Since the first Geograph was submitted for this square in 2005 SK7904 : Launde Abbey, near Loddington, Leicestershire, the house has undergone extensive refurbishment (reopened in January 2011 by the Prince of Wales) with a new entrance and carpark on the south side, so the hardstanding in front of it is now longer used as a car park. Sheep continue to graze the field in front of the abbey.

Stephen Craven

Launde Abbey, front with pond

The present house is built on the site of a medieval abbey, but is in fact a 17th century manor house with 19th century additions. It is listed grade 2* (list entry number 1074857). It is now used as an Anglican retreat centre. Since the first Geograph was submitted for this square in 2005 SK7904 : Launde Abbey, near Loddington, Leicestershire, the retreat house has undergone extensive refurbishment (reopened in January 2011 by the Prince of Wales) with a new entrance and carpark on the south side, so the hardstanding in front of it is now longer used as a car park. This view is shortly before sunset and includes a pond in the middle distance.

Stephen Craven

Launde Abbey, pond

A pond adjacent to the public road through the grounds of Launde Abbey retreat house.

Stephen Craven

Cyclists passing Launde Abbey

Three cyclists on the public road through the grounds of the retreat house.

Stephen Craven

Signpost outside Launde Abbey

The sign points three ways: to Withcote and Brunston (left), Loddington and East Norton (right), and Owston and Halstead (towards the camera). The road beyond is the private drive to Launde Abbey.

Stephen Craven