Discover Bottesford: History and Landscape

You can get to know Bottesford through its buildings, traces of settlement, and landscape. Its history stretches from St Mary the Virgin, which dates back to 1170, to the medieval earthworks of Easthorpe. Other features include the Market Cross, Fleming’s Bridge, and Beacon Hill. If you are looking for a hotel in Bottesford, these different themes can help you decide what to focus on during your trip.

Historic Buildings and Their Dates

The Market Cross dates from the 15th century and is made of limestone. Fleming’s Bridge is a footbridge over the River Devon; it dates from no earlier than the 17th century and was built for Samuel Fleming, who was rector from 1581 to 1620. The two structures thus point to different periods: the Market Cross is older, while the bridge dates from the 17th century at the earliest.

Fleming’s House also preserves a piece of local history: parts of the original almshouses, dated 1620 and built of ironstone, survive on the ground floor. These named historic buildings feature different materials and dates—limestone at the Market Cross, ironstone in the almshouses, and a bridge with a later date that is specified only as no earlier than the 17th century. St Mary the Virgin adds another layer, with its origins in 1170. Together, these buildings offer a varied timeline of Bottesford’s history, rather than all belonging to the same period.

The two institutions named after Rutland offer further points of interest: the Duke of Rutland’s Hospital is also known as the Bedehouse. The Earl of Rutland’s Hospital was founded as an almshouse in 1591. If you are interested in the history of social institutions, these details offer a distinct point of interest alongside the church, bridge, and houses.

Easthorpe and Its Medieval Traces

The medieval earthworks of Easthorpe lie on the eastern side of Bottesford; an associated ditch system is on the western side. The settlement of Easthorpe includes the earthworks of a medieval village and a high-status manorial complex. Here, traces of settlement and an important manorial complex are both central features. For your trip, Easthorpe is a distinct historical area to explore alongside the individual buildings in Bottesford.

The location details distinguish between the eastern and western sides; they should not be combined into a single continuous route. If settlement history is of particular interest to you, you can make Easthorpe a focus of your exploration of the area’s past. The earthworks and manorial complex described here point to different aspects of this medieval settlement.

Beacon Hill, the Garden, and the Walk

At 61.37 metres, Beacon Hill is the highest point in the parish of Bottesford. It offers views in all directions; how far you can see may vary with conditions. Its elevation and views add a clearly identified landscape feature to the historical attractions. If you are deciding between buildings and countryside for your trip, Beacon Hill can be a focus in its own right.

Bottesford Friendly Garden is a landscaped garden created from disused railway land. As the garden’s condition may change, check its current state before visiting. The Bottesford Station Walk starts at Bottesford station on Station Road. Its starting point is clearly specified, while Friendly Garden and Beacon Hill offer other ways to experience the landscape and character of the area.

When looking for a hotel in Bottesford, you can start by asking whether you would like to focus your trip mainly on historic buildings and traces of settlement, or on the landscape and garden. The different themes can help you choose a destination based on your own interests; then check the specific details of each accommodation for your trip.

Discover more destinations: Markfield, Ashby De La Zouch, North Kilworth, Lutterworth, Medbourne, Melton Mowbray, Sproxton, Sapcote

For the broader travel overview: Leicestershire.