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This site was produced by: LOCAL
AUTHORITY PUBLISHING
Publishers for local authorities throughout Great Britain. View
more Official Guides at www.officialguides.co.uk |
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At
the southern most tip of Leicestershire, Lutterworth is an attractive
market town which has twice made its mark on world history. In the
Fourteenth Century John Wycliffe supported the pioneering translation
of the Bible whilst serving as Rector of Lutterworth and, more than
five hundred years later, Sir Frank Whittle developed the jet engine
at the Ladywood Works off Leicester Road.
In 1214 King John granted an annual charter to Nicholas de Verdun
to hold a market in Lutterworth for the sale of livestock and dairy
produce. In 1414 a weekly market charter was granted by King Henry
V. Although the livestock has long since gone, the Thursday market
continues under the auspices of Lutterworth’s historic Town
Estate Trustees, now a registered charity.
The imposing buildings in the town centre date mainly from the coaching
heyday of the Georgian period, though the architectural style of
an earlier era is notably preserved in the Shambles public house.
The highly distinctive Town Hall is the work of Joseph Hansom, designer
of the famous Hansom Cab.
For all its long history, Lutterworth is very much a modern town.
Its location at the hub of Britain’s motorway network led
to the creation of Magna Park, Europe’s biggest distribution
centre, on the disused Bitteswell Airfield to the west of the town.
Both East Midlands and Birmingham airports are in easy reach and
Rugby Station is only minutes away. These excellent connections
will continue to be a contributer to the town's ongoing prosperity.
Lutterworth Southern Bypass roundabout is now a focal point at this
entrance to the town. The Sir Frank Whittle Commemorative Trust
finally reached its goal in May 2003 when a replica of the first
jet aircraft E28/39 was placed on the roundabout.
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Whilst every care has been taken in compiling this publication
and the statements contained herein are believed to be correct,
the publishers and promoters cannot accept responsibility for any
inaccuracies. Reproduction of any part of this publication in any
format, without permission, is strictly forbidden. Photographs:
Courtesy of Don McVay, Mike Sherry, Rob Eardsley
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