Although the village recorded a large variety of trades in the medieval and Tudor periods, it wasn't until the later 17th century after manorial lordship had been diminished that industry began to progress and diversify. By the 1870s the rise of mechanisation and the introduction of factory units pushed the process of industrialisation to the next level. The landscape was transformed in to one whereby the streets were a mix of factories, workshops, cottages and terraces all existing side by side. 

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Here are the main 19th and early 20th century listed industries associated with Sileby. The information contained here is mainly gleaned from trade directories, but other sources have been used to collate these lists. Please note, these lists are not fully exhaustive.

 

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