Leicester Chronicle, 14th May 1881

 

"The Villages of North Leicestershire

Sileby

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Villages are mostly of one uniform plan. They usually consist of a few scores or hundreds of more or less pretentious dwellings fringing a main road, with, in the more populous cases, a few short lanes diverging off at right angles. In the case of Sileby the plan is different. A few minutes’ journey upon the main line of the Midland Railway covers the seven miles between the county town and this large village, and enables the visitor to alight at its station. This is approached on each side by a lofty bridge, and has been erected at such an elevation as to supply a commanding and comprehensive view of the whole district. Lingering upon the platform this pleasant afternoon upon the threshold of “rosy-footed May,” one can realize at a glance the general outline of Sileby. This is at once observed to be neither straight, nor partially curved, but circular. In other words, descending from the station to the street, one can turn to the left; pass down through the principal thoroughfare; veer still round by the left by the side of the rivulet by which the parish is watered; and continue this circuitous course along the dwelling lined thoroughfare, until he regains the railway station from a direction entirely opposite to that by which he left it. Looking down upon the village from this point of vantage, one beholds a singularity diversified spectacle.

 

The centre of the circle is filled by a few acres of grass and allotment ground, studded with fruit trees heavy with snow-white blossom. The circumference is bordered by structures as miscellaneous as their architecture. The vast majority of course represent dwellings of widely-different dates, from the dingy old thatched and timber “framed” cottage of a byegone century, to the improved new brick cottage of yesterday. These are relieved at intervals by framework-knitters’ workrooms or small factories. Towering above the whole, like Tritons among the minnows, are the handsome parish church, a large and commodious villa, and – a brewery; while stretching away in the distance are the pleasant outlines of the Wolds and Charnwood Hills. Of the history of Sileby a good deal is known, but it includes little that is noteworthy. The manor of Cilebi, Siglebi, or Sylebi – as it has been variously rendered – was in olden times held by the Mowbrays: thence it passed to the Berkeleys. In 1586 it was given by Henry Lord Berkeley, on his daughter’s marriage, to his son-in-law George Shirley, an ancestor of its present owner Earl Ferrers. His Lordship as one time held a court here every three years, but it is stated that no manorial rights have now been claimed here for nearly half a century. In 1759 the parish was enclosed by Act of Parliament. It is in the Hundred of East Goscote, and now consists of 2,190 acres of land, described as “partly clay and partly good turnip and barley soil.” At the census of 1871 the population numbered 1,766, and occupied 409 houses. the staple industry of the village is hosiery. As one passes along its streets the characteristic periodic whirr of the frame issues from one dwelling after another, and in one or two instances this measured monotonous strain merges into the continuous “din” of the village factory.

 

The most striking object of interest in Sileby is of course its parish church. But before entering the edifice, the visitor cannot but be struck by a picturesque old elm, which, with the return of “flowering May,” is once more assuming its garb of delicious greenery. How many centuries this village patriarch has braved the winter’s blast, or afforded a welcome shelter from a scorching summer’s sun, it is impossible to say. But this at all events is evident – it is now a mere wreck of its former majesty and beauty. True the trunk of this village monarch still measures some 30feet. It is however a mere skeleton, being from top to bottom entirely hollow. All that now remains is the outer bark; but, Phoenix-like, from this mere shell is still springing vigorous young branches and fresh foliage. The old elm appears to be still regarded as a sort of village trysting-place or cross, for here on a favourable afternoon may often be seen groups of the less busy villagers watching the new arrivals, or leisurely discussing the latest instalment of general news or local gossip.

 

St Mary’s church is a handsome and imposing edifice. It dates from the period of the Decorated Gothic style, but received additions in the subsequent Perpendicular order, which prevailed from the year 1400 down to about 1558. The church consists of chancel, north and south chapels with quasi transepts; north and south aisles, and tower. The whole has recently undergone a judicious and thorough restoration, at a cost of about £6,000, under the superintendence of Mr. Blomfield, the eminent London architect, and now presents a chaste and effective appearance…

 

Adjoining is the vicarage, which has been characterised as a “delightful residence”. This was at one time occupied by the Rev. Norman Pochin, and its garden was then far famed for its roses… Within a stone’s-throw are the National schools. These, with a suitable house for the master, were erected of Mountsorrel granite in 1860, at a cost of £1,200, which was raised by subscription. In 1874 an infants' school was added at an expense of £500. The whole will accomodate 350 children...

 

No fewer than four chapels provide for the religious wants of the Nonconformists. A couple of years ago the village became the headquarters of a new (Primitive Methodist) circuit... (and) embraces 315 members and seven connexional chapels. The Wesleyan Chapel "fronts" the High Street... The General Baptists have also a small chapel, which dates from around 1820... In 1874 a tastefully designed Roman Catholic school-room was built here, and is supplemented by a mistress's residence... on Sunday is utilised for the ordinary services of the Church of Rome, worship being conducted by priests from Ratcliffe College...

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The newest educational institution in the village is that known as the Undenominational Schools, erected through the munificence of Mr Caloe, for the "sole use and benefit" of the inhabitants... Here over a score of infants, ranging from the tender age of fifteen months up to three years, are taken care of from morning till noon and from two to about four, while their mothers are at work. On reaching three years they become recruits for the ordinary classes... to commence the usual career of school life... Mr Style, the master is doing more than steadily improving the size and efficiency of the school... he can already boast a Band of Hope...and a Drum and Fife Band... Since July either a lecture or an entertainment has been given each alternative Saturday... (He) also contemplates the establishment of a reading room and cafe.

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On April 1st 1878, a Burial Board was established...the members bought two and a half acres of land near the village, which they laid out as a cemetery... In 1868, Sileby was provided with gas by means of a local company. The works were erected adjacent to the High Street...

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Of friendly societies there are several. The oldest, the Good Intent Lodge of Druids, was established in 1833. There is among others, a lodge of Druidesses... a branch of the Nottingham Friendly Society... and lodge of the Manchester Unity of Oddfellows, entitled the "Star of Hope." The village has in addition, had various co-operative land societies... many scores of the more industrious and thrifty working men have been enabled to obtain allotments, and become in a small way their landlords... Sileby has shown its interest in the great political questions of the day by forming its own auxiliary of the North Leicestershire Liberal Association.

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As for charities, Sileby has eight. Of these the principal is the Rev. Wm. Staveley's... Lane's charity amounts to £48 per annum... The other bequests are unimportant...

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In conclusion, though Sileby is in some respects not so historically noteworthy as some of the rural parishes to which reference has been made, it is not without its claims to the attention of the antiquary and the modern inquirer into the growth and development of village life.

May 2nd, 1880. RAMBLER."