Pictures of Anstey

About Anstey

This village was first mentioned in the Doomsday Book of 1086, of its latter history the village records close links with the Luddite riots which started during the early stages of the Industrial Revolution of the 19th century. The leader of the riots was Ned Ludd who was born in the village, he opposed the new machinery fearing it would cause mass un-employment. He and his fellow rioters went into factories to smash newly installed stocking frame machines. Stocking making had previously flourished as a cottage industry and was carried on in many homes and smaller working establishments throughout the region.

One of the most attractive features of Anstey is the famous 14th century five arched pack-horse bridge crossing the River Wreake. The bridge spans no more than five feet, it is bounded by pretty water-meadows and has some quaint old cottages close-by.

The parish church is a building of 1846, it incorporates bits of a previous church probably built during the 12th century. In the corner of the churchyard visitors can see the shaft of a rare cross, this is now a listed Grade II Scheduled Ancient Monument, as are several of the graves and tombs. Inside the church there are interesting stained glass windows, a Norman font, and many other historic church treasures including tablets and monuments.

There is a pleasant blend of properties to be seen, amongst these are delightful Victorian and Edwardian houses. There are usual village amenities with larger shops to be found in Leicester City Centre.

Visitors to the area can enjoy pleasant riverside strolls, or walks in the surrounding countryside. There is a close by wildlife reserve and Bradgate Park with its herd of beautiful fallow deer, has associations with Lady Jane Grey who was Queen of England for just nine days, she spent her childhood at Bradgate House.

Anstey makes a pleasant location for anyone seeking to explore the rich industrial and rural heritage of Leicestershire.