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Wigston
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Wigston, or Wigston Magna, is a town in the Oadby and Wigston district of Leicestershire, England, just south of Leicester on the A5199. It had a population of 32,321 in 2011.
Key Information
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Geography
[edit]Wigston is 4 miles (6.4 km) south of the city of Leicester, at the centre of Leicestershire and the East Midlands. Oadby is 1 mile (1.6 km) to the east, connected by the B582 road. To the west along the B582, or Blaby Road is South Wigston, 1 mile (1.6 km).
The Grand Union Canal runs along a southern route below Wigston from Newton Harcourt 2 miles (3.2 km), Kilby Bridge 1 mile (1.6 km), and for several miles through South Wigston, Glen Parva 2 miles (3.2 km), Blaby 3 miles (4.8 km) and on towards Leicester.
Wigston's population of approximately 32,000 live in both the post-war private suburban housing estates surrounding the old town centre, and the 19th century buildings now sandwiched between modern housing developments. The oldest of the post-war developments is Wigston Fields north of Wigston towards Knighton and Leicester; the Meadows and Little Hill estates were developed in the 1970s and 1980s to the east and south of Wigston's old centre. Wigston Harcourt is an area of housing developed up until the early 1990s between the Little Hill and Meadows estates. These three estates mark the boundary of the greater Leicester urban area, beyond which lies agricultural land.
History
[edit]One of the earliest records of Wigston is in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Wichingstone in the ancient wapentake of Guthlaxton,[1] listed amongst the lands held by Hugh de Grandmesnil[2] for the King.
In the Middle Ages it was known as Wigston Two Spires as, unusually, there were two mediaeval churches there, All Saints' and St Wistan's.
St Wistan's is so called because it was one of the places where the body of St Wistan or Wigstan rested before burial. Wigstan was a Mercian prince who was assassinated, but was regarded as a martyr. He was initially buried at Repton, but his body was then moved to Evesham.
All Saints' (illustrated above right) a fine medieval building in the Transitional style has a western steeple (one of the finest in the county); from the tower three monster arches lead into the nave; beneath a sepulchral arch is a coffin lid surmounted by a headless figure.[3]
Wigston was the subject of W. G. Hoskins's pioneering historical study, The Midland Peasant (London: Macmillan, 1965), which traced the social history of this town from earliest recorded history into the 19th century.
Notable people
[edit]It was the birthplace of George Davenport, a notorious highwayman; Abigail Herrick, the mother of Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels; former Leicester Tigers and England scrum-half Harry Ellis who attended Bushloe High School; and former Leicester Sound and BBC Radio Leicester presenter, Mark Hayman. Graham Chapman, of Monty Python fame, lived (around 1951/52) in what was then Wigston police station, (the building on the corner of Pullman Road – opposite the swimming baths) during the time that his father was the inspector there. He attended South Wigston Junior School. Author and journalist John Marquis was born in Wigston and educated at Abington and Guthlaxton schools. The Leicester City footballer Howard Riley was also Wigston born and bred. Composer and piano virtuoso Michael Garrett was educated at Guthlaxton school. The music hall star Gertie Gitana is buried in Wigston cemetery, having been married for many years to local theatrical impresario Don Ross, who was born in the town. She died in the 1950s, having been a showbiz celebrity in the early years of the 20th century. Another Guthlaxton pupil was prominent policeman Geoffrey Barrett, who received a Governor's commendation as a member of the Hong Kong anti-corruption squad in the 1970s and ended his career as head of the Leicester murder squad.
Henry Davis Pochin, the manufacturing chemist who later owned the Bodnant Estate (now the National Trust's Bodnant Garden), was born in Wigston, son of another notable householder, William Pochin.
Museum
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Bushloe House, the offices of Oadby and Wigston Borough Council until 2023, was originally a c. 1850 house which was extended c. 1880. The interior decoration of the house and the design of most of the furniture (and possibly the design of the extension) was carried out by Christopher Dresser for the owner, his solicitor, Hiram Abiff Owston (1830–1905).[4]
There is a Framework Knitting Museum, as it was an important occupation in this area from the 17th to 19th centuries. Hosiery manufacture continued to be an important industry in the town after the decline of hand process of framework knitting with manufacturing firms such as Two Steeples, George Deacon and sons, Wigston Co-Operative Hosiers, A. H. Broughton and William Holmes. In neighbouring South Wigston Henry Bates was the leading hosiery manufacturer.
Economy
[edit]
Since the 1980s Wigston's retail economy has become increasingly dependent on national retailers. Up to 50% of retail in the town belongs to supermarkets and chain stores. The share of local business has caused local and independent businesses to close. This followed the trend of the 1990s homogenisation of British high streets. There are also a number of independent stores including several charity shops, two car dealerships, hair and beauty salons, opticians, florists, fish and chip shop, newsagents, and public houses.
In January 2022 W. H. Cox greengrocers located on Leicester Road (opposite Bell Street) announced it would be closing after trading for 134 years.[5]
Education
[edit]There are numerous primary schools in Wigston including All Saints Primary School, Glenmere Primary School, Little Hill Primary School, The Meadow Community Primary School, Thythorn Field Community Primary School and Water Leys Primary School.
Wigston Academy is the secondary school for the area. It was formed in September 2015 from the merger of Abington Academy and Bushloe High School. Wigston College (formerly known as Guthlaxton College) is the post-16 provider for the area. Both institutions are part of Wigston Academies Trust.
Wigston Birkett House Community Special School is a special school located in the town that serves the wider area.
South Leicestershire College is a large further education provider for the area. It was rebuilt on Canal Street, South Wigston in 2010.
1461 (Wigston) Squadron of the Air Training Corps is located in Tigers Road, South Wigston, and recruits many members from the schools in Wigston.
Media
[edit]Local news and television programmes are provided by BBC East Midlands and ITV Central. Television signals are received from the Waltham TV transmitter. [6]
Local radio stations are BBC Radio Leicester, Capital East Midlands, Smooth East Midlands, Hits Radio East Midlands, Greatest Hits Radio Midlands, and Cross Counties Radio, a community based radio station. [7]
The town is served by the local newspaper, Leicester Mercury (formerly Oadby, Wigston & Blaby Mail). [8]
Transport
[edit]South Wigston railway station lies on the Birmingham to Peterborough Line. Trains to Leicester run every hour and take five minutes.
Wigston Magna and the surrounding estates are served by bus services operated by Arriva Midlands and Centrebus.
References
[edit]- ^ Open Domesday Online: Wigston (Magna) Archived 2 February 2017 at the Wayback Machine, accessed January 2017
- ^ Domesday Book: A Complete Transliteration. London: Penguin, 2003. p. 652 ISBN 0-14-143994-7
- ^ Harvey, Alfred & Crowther-Beynon, V. B. (1924) Leicestershire and Rutland; 2nd ed. London: Methuen; p. 165
- ^ Historic England. "Bushloe House (District Council Offices) (Grade II) (1073658)". National Heritage List for England.
- ^ "Town's oldest shop closes after 134 years selling fruit and veg to generations of customers". leicestermercury.co.uk. Leicester Mercury. 15 February 2022. Archived from the original on 13 July 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
- ^ "Full Freeview on the Waltham (Leicestershire, England) transmitter". UK Free TV. 1 May 2004. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Cross Counties Radio". Retrieved 6 November 2023.
- ^ "Oadby, Wigston & Blaby Mail (defunct)". British Papers. 1 March 2013. Retrieved 6 November 2023.
External links
[edit]Settlements in the Borough of Oadby and Wigston, Leicestershire, England | ||
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Wigston
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Geography and Demographics
Location and Topography
Wigston, also known as Wigston Magna, is situated approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) south-southeast of Leicester city center in the Oadby and Wigston district of Leicestershire, England. The town lies along the A5199 road and forms part of the broader urban extension of Leicester, bordered by Oadby to the east and South Wigston to the west. This positioning places Wigston within a strategic commuter belt, facilitating easy access to the M1 and M69 motorways to the north and west.[9] The topography of Wigston features gently undulating terrain characteristic of the East Midlands region, with elevations ranging from around 75 meters above ordnance datum (AOD) in the southwest to over 125 meters AOD in the northeast near Oadby.[10] Subtle ridges and valleys define the landscape, transitioning from flatter areas in the Sence Valley to more pronounced slopes in the east, though overall the ground remains relatively level compared to upland areas further afield. Mid-20th-century housing estates, developed post-World War II, encircle the historic town center, blending suburban expansion with the surrounding rural fringes.[10] These estates, including areas like Wigston Fields to the north, reflect the town's evolution into a predominantly residential suburb.[11] Administratively, Wigston falls within the LE18 postcode area and contributes to the Oadby and Wigston district, which spans approximately nine square miles of mixed urban and rural land. The district's boundaries are delineated by the Midland Mainline railway to the north, the Grand Union Canal to the south, and natural ridges along the eastern edge at about 123 meters AOD.[10] Natural features enhance Wigston's environmental setting, with the Grand Union Canal traversing the southern boundary and linking to the nearby River Soar via the River Sence.[10] Local parks such as Coombe Park Recreation Ground provide green spaces amid the urban fabric, supporting biodiversity through hedgerows, field ponds, and small copses of native trees like hawthorn and ash.[10] These elements contribute to a landscape that balances suburban development with rural tranquility, including green wedges that separate Wigston from adjacent settlements.[12]Population and Demographics
As of the 2021 Census, the population of Wigston stood at 34,738, marking a modest increase from 33,289 recorded in the 2011 Census. This represents an overall growth of approximately 4.4% over the decade, with an average annual change of 0.43%, driven primarily by net internal migration from nearby urban areas such as Leicester, reflecting Wigston's role as a commuter suburb. Borough-wide trends in Oadby and Wigston, which encompasses Wigston, show a similar pattern, with the district population rising 2.7% to 57,700 between 2011 and 2021, bolstered by both internal and international migration flows.[13] Ethnically, Wigston remains predominantly White, comprising 79.9% of residents (27,756 individuals) in 2021, though this proportion has declined from higher levels in previous decades amid increasing diversity. Asian residents account for 13.6% (4,734), including significant Indian and other South Asian communities, while Black (1.8%), Mixed/multiple (2.9%), and other ethnic groups (1.5%) make up the remainder.[14] These figures align with broader Oadby and Wigston trends, where 27.9% identified as Asian, Asian British, or Asian Welsh in 2021, up from 22.3% in 2011, highlighting growing minority ethnic representation.[13] The age structure in Wigston indicates a balanced demographic with a working-age population (aged 16-64) estimated at around 61%, closely mirroring Leicestershire averages and underscoring its suburban family-oriented character. In 2021, 20.3% of residents were aged 0-17 (7,068), 57.1% were aged 18-64 (19,840), and 22.4% were 65 and over (7,779), with a median age of 42.[15] This distribution supports a higher proportion of families with children compared to more urban areas. Socio-economically, 16.3% of Wigston's population resides in neighborhoods classified as deprived, particularly in areas like South Wigston, though the borough avoids the most severe national deprivation quintiles. Housing is dominated by semi-detached properties, which constitute about 48% of stock, reflecting stable, owner-occupied suburban living, with overall home ownership at 75.2% in the borough.[16][13]History
Origins and Medieval Period
The origins of Wigston trace back to an Anglo-Saxon settlement, with the place-name most likely deriving from the Anglo-Scandinavian Wikingr's tūn, meaning the farmstead or estate associated with a person named Wikingr (a Viking), with an alternative Old English interpretation as Wicga's tūn associated with a personal name Wicga, an otherwise unrecorded personal name or byname.[17] Archaeological evidence indicates early activity, including a pagan Anglo-Saxon cemetery, pointing to occupation from around the 5th century AD when Angles settled the area south of Leicester along ancient ridgeways.[18] Wigston's first documented record appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Wichingestone (or variants like Wigestone), situated in the hundred of Guthlaxton, Leicestershire.[5] The manor was primarily held by Hugh de Grandmesnil, a Norman lord, with a smaller portion under Countess Judith; it supported approximately 86.5 households, including 32 villagers, 31 freemen, 12 smallholders, and others, along with 16 ploughlands (4 on the lord's demesne and 13 belonging to the men), 50 acres of meadow, and an estimated population of around 430 people.[5] This entry underscores Wigston's status as a prosperous rural settlement with agricultural resources, including arable land valued at 8 pounds annually under Hugh's tenure.[5] During the medieval period, Wigston developed as a manorial village under feudal tenure, with the lordship passing from Hugh de Grandmesnil after the Norman Conquest of 1066—when William I granted it to him in 1068, displacing the pre-Conquest holder Earl Ralph—to subsequent overlords including the Earls of Leicester and the de Vere family.[18] By the 12th century, the estate fragmented among local families, including the Davenports, who held significant lands near All Saints' Church.[18] The village gained distinction as "Wigston Two Spires" (or Two Steeples) owing to its two medieval parish churches: All Saints', with Norman origins and ties to Lenton Priory by 1107, and St. Wistan's, named after the 9th-century Mercian martyr Wigstan (Wistan) and dating to the 14th century.[19] These churches served a growing Christian community noted in Domesday records, which included a priest and cleric.[5] The 14th-century Black Death profoundly impacted Wigston, as it did surrounding Leicestershire villages, causing significant population decline amid the regional devastation that reduced Leicester's inhabitants by over half between 1348 and 1349.[20] While exact figures for Wigston are sparse, the plague's arrival via trade routes exacerbated labor shortages and economic strain in rural manors like those in Guthlaxton hundred, contributing to a broader demographic contraction that persisted into the 15th century.[20] By 1381, however, Wigston had reemerged as one of Leicestershire's largest settlements outside the county town, reflecting resilience in its agrarian structure.Industrial and Modern Development
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Wigston saw the introduction of framework knitting, a domestic textile industry that became a primary employer as the hosiery sector expanded across the East Midlands.[21] Originating from William Lee's 1589 invention in Nottinghamshire, the practice spread to Leicestershire by the early 18th century, with knitting frames integrated into households where families collectively produced stockings and other knitwear.[21] By the mid-18th century, approximately one in five residents in Wigston worked on these frames, marking a shift from agriculture toward proto-industrialization.[18] Artifacts from this era, including hand-operated frames, are preserved at the Wigston Framework Knitters Museum.[22] The 1764 Great Wigston Inclosure Act further transformed the local landscape and economy by enclosing open common fields, ending communal farming practices and consolidating land among larger landowners like the Duke of St. Albans.[18] This legislation, formalized by the 1766 Enclosure Award, divided the three historic fields—Mucklowe, Thythornhill, and Gold Hill—into private plots, displacing smallholders and accelerating the transition to wage labor in emerging industries like hosiery.[23] In the 19th century, the hosiery trade peaked as steam-powered machinery shifted production toward factories, though Wigston retained its cottage-based frame shops into the Victorian period.[21] The 20th century brought rapid suburbanization, particularly after World War II, when numerous housing estates extended Wigston's boundaries to accommodate growing demand.[24] Developments like Wigston Fields to the north and the Meadows to the south emerged as early post-war private estates, transforming the rural village into a commuter suburb of Leicester.[25] Local government reforms in 1974 merged Wigston Urban District with Oadby under the Local Government Act 1972, creating the Oadby and Wigston Borough and integrating it into Leicestershire's administrative framework. This period saw Wigston's population more than triple from 8,404 in 1901 to over 32,000 by the early 21st century, reflecting its evolution into a residential hub.[26] The hosiery industry's decline accelerated in the 1980s amid globalization and competition from low-cost imports, particularly from Asia, leading to thousands of job losses in Leicestershire.[27] Between June and December 1989 alone, 3,500 positions were cut in the knitwear sector, underscoring the broader deindustrialization affecting traditional employers.[27] Recent efforts to revitalize Wigston have focused on town center regeneration, including the 2014–2015 Bell Street public realm project, which improved paving, street furniture, and pedestrian access to boost economic activity.[28] Funded jointly by Oadby and Wigston Borough Council and Leicestershire County Council, this initiative enhanced visitor appeal but highlighted ongoing challenges with retail vacancies.[28] The 2022 Wigston Town Centre Refreshed Masterplan builds on this, proposing further investments aligned with the 2019 Local Plan to sustain urban renewal.[28]Notable Historical Figures
George Davenport (1759–1797) was a notorious highwayman born in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, who became a figure in local folklore for his criminal exploits in the late 18th century.[29] Originally a frame knitter by trade, Davenport turned to robbery and fraud, operating primarily in Leicestershire rather than venturing to more distant locales like London.[30] He was tried and convicted at the Leicester Assizes for highway robbery and fraud, with the jury deliberating for less than ten minutes before finding him guilty; he was subsequently hanged at the Red Hill gallows in Birstall in February 1797.[31] Historical accounts from the period, including contemporary records of Leicester's criminal underbelly, portray Davenport as a bold yet ultimately tragic local rogue whose story has endured in regional tales of 18th-century outlawry. Abigail Herrick (c. 1642–1710), the mother of the renowned satirist Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels, was born in Wigston Magna, Leicestershire, with strong family ties to the area.[19] The daughter of James Herrick, a member of the prominent Leicestershire Herrick family, she married Jonathan Swift Sr., an attorney, in 1664, and their second child, the future writer, was born posthumously in Dublin in 1667 after her husband's early death.[32] Following the loss of her husband, Herrick raised her family with support from relatives in Leicestershire. Her Leicestershire roots provided a stable Anglo-Irish connection that influenced Swift's upbringing and worldview, as he was fostered by his mother until age four before being sent to relatives in England. William Wigston (by 1509–1577), a 16th-century merchant and politician from the influential Wigston family of Leicestershire, served as a Member of Parliament for Leicester in 1553 and was knighted for his public service.[33] As a member of the Skinners' Company, he engaged in the wool trade, building on the family's mercantile legacy in the region, which contributed to the economic prominence of Wigston itself—named after early Wigston forebears.[34] Wigston also founded charitable institutions, including support for almshouses and educational endowments in Leicester, reflecting the philanthropic traditions of wool merchants during the Tudor era; his efforts helped establish lasting community welfare structures, such as those linked to Wyggeston's Hospital.[35] His roles as sheriff of Leicestershire (1550–1551) and mayor of Calais (a key English-controlled wool port) underscored his contributions to both local governance and international trade networks.[33] In the 20th century, Graham Chapman (1941–1989), a founding member of the comedy troupe Monty Python, briefly resided in Wigston during his childhood (around 1951–52) at the local police station, where his father worked as an officer.[34] Born in Leicester and raised primarily in Melton Mowbray, he later pursued medical studies at Cambridge and rose to fame with sketches like "The Dead Parrot" in the 1970s.[36] Harry Ellis (b. 1982), a professional rugby union scrum-half born in Wigston, Leicestershire, on 17 May 1982, represented England internationally and played a key role in Leicester Tigers' dominance during the 2000s.[37] Debuting for England in 2004, he earned 27 caps, including participation in the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, where he appeared in one Test match.[38] Ellis contributed to multiple Premiership titles with Leicester from 2001 to 2010, known for his quick passing and tactical acumen before retiring due to injury in 2012.[39]Framework Knitting Museum
The Wigston Framework Knitters Museum is housed in Bushloe House, a former farmhouse originally constructed in the 1690s with Victorian additions, located at 42-44 Bushloe End in Wigston, Leicestershire.[40] The museum was established and opened to the public in 1986 by a group of local volunteers and trustees who manage the site on a peppercorn rent from the local council, preserving the structure's role as a master hosier's house with an attached two-story Victorian frameshop.[40] This setup reflects the transition from domestic framework knitting to more structured workshops in the late 19th century, a key phase in Wigston's hosiery industry that began in the village as early as 1680.[41] The museum's collections center on artifacts from the framework knitting era, including eight original hand-operated knitting frames dating back approximately 150 years, used for producing items like gloves, mitts, and fancy ribbed sock tops.[40] Additional exhibits feature hosiery artifacts such as stockings, tools, moulds, Griswold knitting machines, and an original Corah knitting machine from around 1820, alongside replicas of 18th- and 19th-century knitters' cottages that recreate the domestic working environments of framework knitters.[40] These items, preserved in the frameshop locked since 1952 following the death of the last knitter Edgar Carter, provide tangible insights into the tools and techniques of the trade.[41] The museum plays a vital role in safeguarding Wigston's industrial heritage, particularly the framework knitting industry that positioned the village as one of the largest centers in Leicestershire during the 19th century, when it formed a cornerstone of local employment amid the Industrial Revolution.[42] It illustrates the industry's peak as a domestic craft employing families in home-based production before its gradual decline with the shift to factory manufacturing in the early 20th century.[40] To engage the community, the museum hosts annual events such as heritage days, including a traditional sock-making ceremony in September, highlighting the evolution and legacy of hosiery production.[40] Visitors can access the museum free of charge, with guided tours available to demonstrate framework knitting techniques; it is open on Sundays from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, and light refreshments are offered alongside a small shop.[40] The site spans about 6,000 square feet, including a cottage garden, and relies on volunteer support for operations.[40]Governance
Local Administration
Wigston forms a significant portion of the Oadby and Wigston Borough, which was established on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 through the merger of the former Oadby Urban District and Wigston Urban District.[43] The borough operates as a two-tier local government structure, with the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council responsible for district-level services and Wigston represented through several key wards, including Wigston All Saints, Wigston Fields, Wigston Meadowcourt, and South Wigston.[44] Historically, Wigston evolved from an ancient parish to a civil parish in the late 19th century, becoming Wigston Magna Urban District in 1894 and simplifying to Wigston Urban District in 1930 before its integration into the borough in 1974.[19] The council's administrative offices are located at Brocks Hill in Oadby, facilitating oversight of the borough's operations.[45] At the county level, Wigston falls under Leicestershire County Council, which manages upper-tier services such as education, highways maintenance, and social care.[46] The borough council specifically handles local services including waste collection and recycling, planning permissions, and community grant funding to support projects in areas like Wigston.[47][48]Political Representation
Wigston forms part of the Harborough, Oadby and Wigston parliamentary constituency, which has been represented by Conservative MP Neil O'Brien since his election in 2017.[49] The seat was previously held by fellow Conservative Edward Garnier from 1992 until 2017, with the Conservatives retaining the constituency in every general election since 2010. Prior to the 2010 boundary review, portions of Wigston, particularly South Wigston, fell within the Leicester South West constituency. O'Brien was re-elected in the July 2024 general election with a reduced majority of 2,378 votes over Labour, reflecting national trends.[50] At the local level, Wigston is covered by several wards within Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, including Wigston All Saints, Wigston Fields, Wigston Meadowcourt, and South Wigston. Local elections occur every four years, with the most recent in May 2023 resulting in the Liberal Democrats securing 19 of 29 seats and overall control of the council, while Conservatives took the remaining 7 seats.[51] Voter turnout was 34%.[51] In Wigston-specific wards, representation is mixed but leans towards Liberal Democrats; for instance, South Wigston ward returned two Liberal Democrat councillors in 2023, defeating Conservative challengers.[52] Wigston All Saints saw a split, with one seat each for Liberal Democrats and Conservatives.[52] Key issues in recent local elections have centered on housing development pressures and the preservation of green spaces, amid proposals for significant new builds on farmland near Wigston.[53] Residents and councillors have expressed concerns over balancing growth with environmental protection, as seen in the council's ongoing Green Spaces Strategy. Politically, the area has shifted from Conservative dominance in the pre-1990s era to a multi-party landscape, with Liberal Democrats gaining control of the borough council in 1995 and maintaining it through large majorities in subsequent elections, such as 24 seats in 2019.[54] This evolution reflects broader suburban trends in Leicestershire, where local priorities like community services and planning have favored the Liberal Democrats.[55]Economy
Economic History
Wigston's pre-industrial economy was predominantly agrarian, relying on communal open-field farming systems that had persisted since medieval times. These practices involved shared cultivation of arable land and common grazing rights, supporting a subsistence-based rural community. The 1764 Wigston Enclosure Act fundamentally altered this landscape by privatizing common lands and consolidating holdings, enabling more efficient agricultural methods but displacing many smallholders and accelerating rural depopulation.[56][57] The 19th century witnessed a shift toward industrialization, with the hosiery trade emerging as the dominant sector following the widespread adoption of framework knitting machines from the late 17th century onward. By 1800, over 500 frames operated in Wigston, employing a significant portion of the male workforce in cottage-based production of stockings and knitwear, which fueled economic growth amid national demand for textiles. Boot and shoe manufacturing developed as a complementary industry, particularly from the mid-19th century, providing additional employment in village workshops and small factories, though it remained secondary to hosiery.[58][59] The 20th century brought decline to Wigston's manufacturing base, as the hosiery industry faced intensifying competition from cheaper imports and mechanized production elsewhere. Factory closures accelerated in the 1970s and 1980s, eroding traditional jobs and contributing to economic hardship; unemployment in the broader Leicester area, encompassing Wigston, peaked at approximately 15% during the early 1980s recession. This downturn prompted a gradual transition toward retail and service-oriented activities, with modern retail chains beginning to anchor local commerce by the late 20th century.[60]Current Economy and Employment
Wigston's economy is predominantly service-oriented, with significant portions of employment in service sectors, including wholesale and retail trade (18.4%), health and social work (13.2%), and education (11.8%), which together account for around 43% of employee jobs, while services overall comprise 55.5% as of 2022. Key dominant industries include retail, supported by major supermarkets like Tesco and Sainsbury's in the town, and services encompassing healthcare and logistics, bolstered by the area's proximity to the M1 motorway. Manufacturing remains a notable sector at around 13.2%, though it has declined from historical hosiery prominence.[61][62] Employment in Oadby and Wigston borough, which includes Wigston, stands at approximately 83.9% for residents aged 16-64 based on the latest available ONS data (2024), with an economic activity rate of 86.6% and unemployment at 3.0%. The median annual salary is approximately £28,800 as of 2024, aligning closely with the Leicestershire average, while key employers include the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council, the NHS, and distribution centers in nearby areas like Magna Park. Logistics benefits from the region's strategic location, contributing to about 2.6% of local jobs in transport and storage.[62][61][63][64] Recent retail changes highlight shifts in Wigston's town center, including the 2022 closure of W.H. Cox greengrocers after 134 years of operation, reflecting broader pressures on independent traders. In response, initiatives like the Wigston Town Centre Refreshed Masterplan (2022) and the Shop Front Improvement Scheme aim to support independent shops through grants and regeneration efforts, with UK Shared Prosperity Funding allocated (£1.34 million, 2022-2025) to enhance vibrancy and reduce vacancies.[65][66][61] Challenges persist in Wigston's commuter-driven economy, where a significant portion of the workforce travels to Leicester for employment, contributing to low job density (0.65 in 2022). Post-COVID recovery has seen hospitality and retail footfall rebound to pre-pandemic levels by March 2023, though high commercial vacancies and competition from out-of-town centers remain hurdles to local growth.[61]Education
Primary and Secondary Education
Wigston is served by a range of primary schools catering to children aged 4 to 11, with notable institutions including All Saints Church of England Primary School, a voluntary controlled school emphasizing Christian values and community involvement.[67] Glen Hills Primary School, a community academy, focuses on inclusive education and personal development for its pupils.[68] Langmoor Primary School, part of the Oadby, Wigston and Leicestershire Schools Academy Trust, provides a broad curriculum with an emphasis on early years foundation stage provision.[69] Several primary schools operate in the Wigston area, across various community, academy, and faith-based settings. Secondary education in Wigston primarily falls under the Wigston Academies Trust, with Wigston Academy serving students aged 11 to 16 as a mixed comprehensive school. Formed in September 2015 through the merger of Abington Academy and Bushloe High School, it enrolls around 1,300 pupils and prioritizes high standards in core subjects alongside extracurricular opportunities.[70] Wigston College, a coeducational sixth form for ages 16 to 18, complements this by offering A-level programs with a broad curriculum including humanities, sciences, and vocational pathways.[71] The college supports around 260 students, fostering independent learning and preparation for higher education or employment.[72] As of 2024, Wigston Academy's key GCSE metrics include an Attainment 8 score of 38.4 and 24% of students achieving grade 5 or above in English and mathematics GCSEs.[73][74] Special educational needs provisions are integrated across schools, with dedicated support such as the Excel Centre at Wigston Academy offering tailored programs for students aged 11 to 16 with autism spectrum conditions, including small-group interventions and sensory resources.[75] Since the Academies Act 2010, several Wigston schools have transitioned to academy status to enhance autonomy and curriculum flexibility, including Langmoor Primary School and Glenmere Community Primary School in 2013 under their multi-academy trust.[76] South Wigston High School, an 11-16 academy nearby, converted in 2011, while Wigston Academy itself operates as a sponsored academy focused on raising aspirations post-merger.[77] These conversions have supported targeted improvements in teaching and facilities without disrupting compulsory education up to age 16. Wigston Academy was rated Good by Ofsted in 2022.[78]Further and Higher Education
Wigston College serves as the primary provider of post-16 academic education in the area, specializing in A-level and Level 3 qualifications for students transitioning from secondary school.[71] It offers a broad curriculum including subjects such as English, mathematics, sciences, humanities, and vocational Level 3 options, with students typically studying three subjects over two years to prepare for university or employment.[79] The college emphasizes personalized support and facilities tailored to sixth-form learning, drawing students from local secondary schools.[80] The North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College (NWSLC) operates a dedicated Wigston Campus, focusing on vocational further education for 16+ learners, with programs in business administration, computing and digital technologies (including IT skills like programming and networking), childcare, construction, and engineering.[81] This campus also delivers higher education options, such as foundation degrees and professional qualifications, alongside T Levels in business and digital sectors.[82] In the 2025-26 academic year, the campus enrolls 1,682 students, of whom 1,056 are aged 16-18, supporting a mix of full-time and part-time vocational pathways.[83] Access to higher education is facilitated by Wigston's proximity to the University of Leicester, located approximately 3 miles away, allowing easy commuting via bus or train for degree-level studies in fields like sciences, humanities, and engineering.[84] Local apprenticeships provide practical alternatives, with NWSLC offering programs in engineering (e.g., mechanical and electrical) and opportunities in retail sectors available through employers in the Wigston area, such as sales advisor roles at local stores.[85][86] Adult education in Wigston includes part-time courses at the NWSLC Wigston Campus and community venues like Wigston Library, covering skills in digital literacy, business, and personal development through the GoLearn! Leicestershire service.[87][88] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, enrollment in part-time and career-change courses has grown, driven by initiatives targeting upskilling for adults in response to economic shifts.[89]Culture and Leisure
Media
Wigston residents receive television services primarily from BBC East Midlands and ITV Central, broadcast via the Waltham transmitting station located near Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire.[90] This main transmitter serves much of the East Midlands region, including Leicestershire, delivering regional news, weather, and programming tailored to local audiences. The digital switchover for the Waltham group was completed in two stages on 17 August 2011 and 31 August 2011, transitioning fully from analogue to digital signals and enabling access to Freeview channels.[90] Local radio options include BBC Radio Leicester, which offers dedicated coverage of news, events, and community issues across Leicestershire, including Wigston.[91] As a commercial alternative, Capital East Midlands provides contemporary hit music and entertainment programming to the broader East Midlands area, with frequencies receivable in Wigston.[92] Community radio efforts in Oadby and Wigston have included proposals like Sunflower FM, aimed at serving local news and music, though it has faced licensing challenges and is not currently broadcasting on FM.[93] In print media, the Leicester Mercury delivers daily reporting on Wigston-specific events, politics, and community stories as part of its Leicestershire-wide coverage.[94] Free local newspapers such as the Harborough Mail supplement this with occasional features on Wigston, particularly where it borders the Harborough district, focusing on regional developments and human interest pieces.[95] Digital platforms play a key role in disseminating news to Wigston residents, with the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council website serving as a primary source for official updates on local governance, events, and services.[96] Community-driven online spaces, including Facebook groups like Spotted in Wigston, facilitate real-time sharing of local news, alerts, and discussions among residents.[97] These outlets often cover sports events, such as local matches and community leagues, to engage audiences.Sports and Recreation
Wigston offers a variety of sports facilities catering to indoor and outdoor activities, managed primarily through the Oadby and Wigston Borough Council. The Wigston Pool and Fitness Centre provides an indoor swimming pool with six lanes, a 60-station gym, and opportunities for group exercise classes, serving as a key hub for aquatic and fitness pursuits.[98] Nearby educational sites like Wigston Academy and Wigston College feature sports halls with multiple badminton courts, astro turf pitches, and areas for basketball, football, rugby, and tennis, though access is often prioritized for school use. For outdoor recreation, parks such as Uplands Playing Field and Willow Park accommodate football pitches and cricket squares, with Uplands hosting two standard-quality cricket wickets alongside five football pitches.[99] Peace Memorial Park includes a multi-activity court suitable for informal football and other games, a tennis court, and a bowls green with an adjoining pavilion.[100] Local sports clubs foster community engagement, with Wigston Town Cricket Club, established around 1904, operating from sites like Stoughton Road Sports Pitches and promoting amateur cricket across multiple teams.[101] South Wigston Working Mens Club supports social sports teams, including participation in local pool leagues, contributing to informal competitive play.[102] Football is prominent through clubs like Wigston Willow FC, which fields 14 teams and trains at local 3G pitches such as those at Wigston College, while Wigston Tennis Club offers four outdoor courts, coaching programs, and competitive matches for all ages.[99][103] Running events, including annual parkrun tours organized by Wigston Phoenix Running Club, encourage weekly 5k participation in nearby Victoria Park.[104] Adult sports participation in the Oadby and Wigston area stands at approximately 53.4% for general physical activity, though specific organized sports engagement is lower, with badminton at 4.05% and overall rates below the national average of around 63% for moderately active adults.[105] A 2024 indoor facilities assessment highlights demand exceeding supply for badminton courts, with 786 weekly hours needed against 614 available, and calls for more accessible sports halls to address daytime limitations from school bookings.[105] The same year's outdoor sports strategy identifies gaps in multi-use games areas (MUGAs), recommending upgrades to disused tennis courts at Willow Park and Ellis Park to create community hubs with enhanced 3G surfaces for football and other activities, amid unmet training demands from 11 local clubs.[99] In November 2025, plans were announced to transform local sports facilities into a community hub with upgraded changing rooms, accessible toilets, and renovated community spaces.[106]Religious and Cultural Sites
Wigston's religious landscape reflects the borough of Oadby and Wigston's diverse population, where Christianity remains the predominant faith, accounting for 34.6% of residents according to the 2021 Census, though this figure varies by ward—for instance, 48.24% in Wigston All Saints ward.[107] The area also features growing Hindu (10%) and Muslim (11.2%) communities, mirroring broader ethnic trends with significant South Asian representation. No religion is reported by 30.2% of the population, indicating a secular shift.[13] All Saints Church in Wigston Magna serves as the primary Anglican parish church, a Grade I listed structure built between 1280 and 1320, replacing earlier buildings on the site and featuring a prominent 14th-century west tower with spire.[108][109] Its historical significance includes restorations in the 19th and early 20th centuries, accommodating up to 600 worshippers and anchoring community faith practices.[19] St Thomas More Catholic Church, located nearby on Knighton Road in Leicester, caters to the local Catholic population; the parish was established in 1947, with the church designed in 1948 and constructed shortly thereafter in a modern style reflective of post-war architecture. The Oadby & Wigston Hindu Community supports the area's South Asian residents through spiritual and cultural activities, often centered at venues like St Paul's Church in Oadby, promoting Hindu traditions without a dedicated temple in Wigston itself—nearby facilities such as the Shree Hindu Temple in Leicester serve this role.[110][111] Key cultural sites include Wigston Library, a modern community hub that hosts regular events such as craft clubs, knitting groups, shared reading sessions, and children's activities to foster local engagement.[112] Complementing this, the Greater Wigston Historical Society's Heritage Centre maintains archives of local documents, photographs, and artifacts, offering free access on Fridays for research into Wigston's past.[113] Annual heritage celebrations, such as those during the Festival of Archaeology, highlight Wigston Magna's history through guided walks, exhibitions, and talks organized by local societies.[114] In 2025, the Culture Leicestershire 'doorstep culture' initiative was trialled in the borough, offering home delivery of art and museum experiences.[115] Religious events enliven the community year-round, with All Saints Church hosting Christmas tree festivals and fairs as part of broader South Wigston celebrations like Christmas Capers, drawing families for crafts, lights, and worship.[116] The Oadby & Wigston Hindu Community organizes Diwali lunches and extravaganzas, featuring traditional meals, performances, and gatherings at St Paul's Church to mark the festival of lights for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains.[117]Transport
Road and Public Transport
Wigston's primary road connection to Leicester is via the A5199, known locally as Welford Road, which serves as the main arterial route linking the town directly to the city center approximately 5 miles north.[118] The town is also situated about 5 miles east of the M1 and M69 motorways, providing access to broader regional and national networks via the A563 and A426 roads.[9] Public bus services in Wigston are operated mainly by Arriva Midlands and Centrebus, facilitating frequent connections to Leicester and nearby areas. Arriva's routes 47 and 48 run from Wigston Magna and South Wigston to Leicester city center, with services operating every 12 minutes during weekday peaks and every 15 minutes on Saturdays, extending to every 30 minutes in evenings.[119] Centrebus route 40S provides local links, including hourly services between Wigston and Oadby as part of the Southern Orbital loop.[120] As part of the Leicestershire bus network review, enhancements including new services and extended journeys were introduced from 6 January 2025 to improve reliability and coverage.[121] Cycling and walking infrastructure supports sustainable local travel, with National Cycle Route 6 passing through the southern Leicester area near Wigston, offering a traffic-free path for commuters heading toward the city.[122] The town center features pedestrianized zones, notably Bell Street, which was fully pedestrianized following a 2016 trial to enhance safety and accessibility for shoppers and residents.[123] Residents exhibit high reliance on road and bus transport for daily commuting, particularly to Leicester, contributing to peak-hour congestion on key routes like Welford Road and Blaby Road.[124] Local authorities have implemented improvements, such as resurfacing on the A5199, to mitigate these issues.[125]Rail Connections
South Wigston railway station serves the Wigston area as the primary rail access point, located on the Birmingham to Peterborough line via Syston and Leicester. Opened on 10 May 1986, the unstaffed station features basic facilities including a waiting shelter and bicycle storage, with step-free access from the street.[126][127] The site's rail history dates to the 1840s with the construction of the original Wigston station by the Midland Counties Railway, which opened on 30 June 1840 as the first stop south of Leicester on the line to Rugby. Renamed Wigston South in 1868 to distinguish it from another local station, it facilitated industrial growth in the area until its closure to passengers in 1962 and complete shutdown in 1966 amid the Beeching cuts that rationalized Britain's rail network. The line remained open for freight, and the station was rebuilt and reopened in 1986 to revive commuter services following local advocacy and improved economic viability.[128][129] The line is part of the Midland Main Line, with electrification works progressing; land rights for upgrades between Kettering and Wigston South Junction were approved in November 2024.[130] Current services are operated by CrossCountry on the Birmingham-Peterborough route, with trains calling hourly in both directions; peak-hour frequency increases to approximately two trains per hour toward Leicester. Journeys to Leicester take about 5-7 minutes, while connections via Leicester to London St Pancras International typically total around 1 hour 20 minutes. The station integrates with local buses at nearby stops for onward travel.[131][132][133] Annual passenger usage stood at 100,480 entries and exits as of the year ending March 2024, predominantly by commuters traveling to Leicester and Birmingham for work.[134]References
- https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Mediaeval_Leicester/Chapter_10