HORNINGHOLD
An Edwardian estate village in rural Leicestershire
An Edwardian estate village in rural Leicestershire
Horninghold is a unique village nestled in rolling Leicestershire countryside just west of Uppingham. It derives its special character from the vision of the Hardcastle family of Blaston Hall, who remodeled the village around the turn of the 20th century to serve as a hunting estate for the entertainment of friends and family. Old houses were re-imagined and new ones built, all reflecting the revival of domestic architecture and growing Arts & Crafts movement. Around these were planted specimen trees which now shade and hide the houses. The conservation area description sums up its appeal: 'As a 20th Century estate village it is special. The well spaced houses sit in their own grounds and are far more substantial than agricultural cottages ... The houses nestle within the trees, above which the spire of the Church of St. Peter rises'. In 1953 it won the status of 'prettiest village in Leicestershire'.
Aerial view of Horninghold looking east in 1968. The centre of the village is based around the junction of East Norton Road in the foreground and Hallaton Road, with St Peter's Church and the Manor House off to the south. The east side of the village is dominated by Horninghold Hall and the large houses built by the Hardcastles. Image coloured and restored from black & white original.
View down East Norton Road from the 1931 estate auction catalogue. Three Ways & Cedar Cottages in the foreground have since been extended. In the background is the former Globe public house. Image coloured and restored from black & white original.