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Housing in North Braunstone
  • The Braunstone Estate was planned as a whole, but developed in two areas, South and North Braunstone
  • Progress was rapid and by December 1939, 1,764 houses had been built. They became home to tenants from 78 different areas across the City
  • North Braunstone now has a new leisure centre, health centre and a library and learning complex called the BRITE Centre

The new Braunstone Estate

The Braunstone Estate was planned as a whole, but developed in two areas, South and North Braunstone. The land, 1,200 acres along the Narborough Road, was bought in 1926. With Braunstone Park at the centre, building began in the southern part. By the early 1930s over 2,500 houses were completed. In 1936 national housing policy changed, with a need for smaller houses for families from overcrowded city centre properties. These homes were built in North Braunstone.

North Braunstone 001
Ellesmere Road c.1930

The development of North Braunstone

Houses in North Braunstone had 3 bedrooms, a living room, scullery and bathroom. The toilet was outside. Progress was rapid and by December 1939, 1,764 houses had been built. They became home to tenants from 78 different areas across the City. Moving took people from their familiar lives and without a community centre for people to mix or socialise, communities suffered. The difference between North Braunstone and the richer South Braunstone Estate, was clear.

A New Deal for North Braunstone

New developments, like the Eyres Monsell Estate built after the Second World War, made North Braunstone less attractive to many tenants. Over the years, the community was hard hit by unemployment and subsequent debt. However, in the year 2000, 'The New Deal' programme led to a series of improvements. North Braunstone now has a leisure centre, health centre plus a library and learning complex called the BRITE Centre.

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Gallery

George Baton, Lord Mayor of Leicester, cutting the first piece of ground on the Braunstone Estate in 1926 - Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
George Baton, Lord Mayor of Leicester, cutting the first piece of ground on the Braunstone Estate in 1926
Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Map of the proposed Braunstone Estate, Leicester Housing Department, 1924 - Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Map of the proposed Braunstone Estate, Leicester Housing Department, 1924
Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Hand Avenue viewed from Hinckley Road - Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Hand Avenue viewed from Hinckley Road
Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland
Ellesmere Road c.1930 -
Ellesmere Road c.1930
Hockley Farm Road, 1953 -
Hockley Farm Road, 1953

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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A Place to Live

Leicester Boys Club

The Leicester Boys Club was set up in 1897 to help disadvantaged young boys, and included seaside holidays at Mablethorpe. Shaftsbury Hall was built in 1906 as official headquarters for the club and still houses the holiday centre headquarters
Housing at Eyres Monsell

In 1950 the City Council approved the layout of the new Eyres Monsell housing estate on land purchased from Mrs Sybil Eyres-Monsell. The first two houses were completed in 1951 and another 470 in 1952.
Development of Highfields

In the early 1800s Leicester’s ‘high fields’ was a rural area on the edge of town. By 1881 there were 15,000 people living here. Its location near the railway station, and lots of housing, meant that people from many countries, settled in Highfields.
The Vine Street Courtyard House

One of the largest townhouses found in Leicester was a courtyard house excavated at Vine Street in 2004-06.
Leicester Royal Infirmary

The Leicester Infirmary was established in 1771 with just 40 beds. In 1889 it opened its children’s ward and in 1912 King George V gave Royal status to the Infirmary. It is now a busy modern hospital, part of the NHS, serving Leicester and the surrounding area.
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