Countesthorpe

Countesthorpe
Countesthorpe

 Countesthorpe shown within Leicestershire
Population 6,393 
OS grid reference SP585954
District Blaby
Shire county Leicestershire
Region East Midlands
Country England
Sovereign state United Kingdom
Post town Leicester
Postcode district LE8
Dialling code 0116
Police Leicestershire
Fire Leicestershire
Ambulance East Midlands
EU Parliament East Midlands
UK Parliament Blaby
List of places: UK • England • Leicestershire

Countesthorpe is a large village and civil parish in the Leicestershire district of Blaby, with a population of 6,393 (2001 census). It lies to the south of Leicester, and is about six miles from the city centre, but only two miles south of the suburb of South Wigston. Nearby places are Blaby and South Wigston to the north, Kilby to the east, Peatling Magna and Willoughby Waterleys to the south, and Broughton Astley, Cosby and Whetstone to the west. According to the 1066 census it had a population of 6.[1]

The name Countesthorpe originates from the 11th century when the area was part of the marriage dowry of the Countess Judith niece of William the Conqueror. The 'thorpe' part of the name is from the gothic meaning of 'land'.

The parish church of St. Andrew was started in 1220 by the family of Lord William of Ludbrook. It was restored in 1840 and again in 1907. The 14th century tower still remains.

The village has four public houses - The Railway, The King William IV, The Bull's Head and the Axe & Square.

It also has an award winning Indian Restaurant "Dine India", famously mentioned in the national press by patrons Kasabian.

The village is twinned with the town of Mennecy in France.

Contents

Education

Countesthorpe has a primary school called Greenfield Primary, a high school named Leysland High School , and a college called Countesthorpe Community College.

Notable residents

Rosemary Conley - diet and fitness.

References

External links