Thurmaston

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Map sources for Thurmaston at grid reference SK6109

Thurmaston is a village and civil parish in the Charnwood district of Leicestershire, England. It is just north of Leicester. In 2000 its population was estimated at 9,305. Thurmaston lies on the River Soar and is something of a boating centre. There are two marinas, one of which is also a boat-yard, and numerous less official mooring sites. These lead to the Watermead Park which is a purpose-built nature reserve, giving beautiful surroundings for a wide variety of birdlife.

Thurmaston, despite being small, is one of the most noticeable places as you exit Leicester to the North. Its prominent location has seen much development in recent years. In 2002 a new Asda supermarket opened, pushing the old Co-op out of business. The old Co-op site, across the road from Asda, has been developed into a new outdoor shopping centre, housing a McDonalds, Pizza Hut, Dunelm Mill, Next, Carphone Warehouse, TK Maxx, Starbucks, Outfit (Arcadia) brands, Claire's Accessories, Boots and Sports Soccer. Thurmaston also houses some of the main offices for Walkers Crisps.

A Thurmaston urban district was formed in 1894 from what was then urbanised southern part of the parish. This is now part of Leicester, and has never since been known as Thurmaston and was given the name Rushey Mead.

The village is somewhat split in two by the Midland Main Line, which is the main London to Sheffield line. To the east of the line is the newer part of the village. To the west is the old village, which stands on the old Fosse Way, the very famous road built by the Romans.

The village has its own paper, 'The Thurmaston Times' which is published monthly.

The local football team Thurmaston Magpies once boasted former England international striker/defender Dion Dublin in its ranks.