Hathern: Village History, Architecture and Walking Routes
Accommodation in Hathern
Hathern combines a rich architectural history with opportunities for walking and annual events. If you are looking for a hotel for a trip to Hathern, this mix can help you decide what to focus on during your stay: church and village history, Hathern Cross or paths through the countryside. The village sits on a gentle rise overlooking the Soar Valley plain.
Local History and Architecture
Hathern was recorded as Avederne in the Domesday Book. By 1258, the name had changed to Hawthirne; the change is thought to have come from a protective hawthorn hedge. The different forms of the name add a second historical layer to the architectural evidence.
The Church of St Peter & St Paul is in the Hathern Conservation Area. The building dates from the 14th century and is built of Charnwood stone. A Saxon-Norman font and a Norman capital point to building work in the 12th century. Romanesque features include an arcaded font and a loose capital with triple arch ornamentation. This makes it possible to distinguish the date of the church building from evidence of earlier building work. A parish history updated in 2019 describes the regular use of the ancient font for baptisms as an enduring tradition.
Hathern Cross and a Half-Timbered House
Hathern Cross is designated a Scheduled Monument and listed as a Grade II* standing cross. It is thought to remain in its original location at the junction of Church Street and Cross Street. At approximately 5.5 m tall, it has a four-tiered base, a socket stone, a shaft and an ornamented head. Its approximate height and named components provide two concrete points of reference for understanding the cross.
Another listed building is 23 Dovecote Street: a Grade II half-timbered house dating from the 17th century and later building phases. Together with the church and the cross, it offers another perspective on Hathern’s architectural history, since both a building style and several building phases are part of its description.
Walks and Practical Information
Hathern’s walking routes include bridleways, footpaths and permissive paths. They can be used to make walks longer or shorter. Routes 1 to 5 in the Hathern walking guide can be combined into circular walks of up to 16 km. Check path conditions before setting out.
The historical and architectural walk “A Walk Around Hathern” starts at Hathern Cross on Cross Street. The booklet of the same name describes a circuit of approximately 2.5 km through the centre of the historic village. When planning your route, the comparison of distances shows the different scales involved: the village circuit described is about 2.5 km, while routes 1 to 5 can be combined into circular walks of up to 16 km. The booklet is available locally; confirm its availability before your trip. As an alternative parking option, the walking guide lists Pasture Lane opposite the new school. Since parking regulations can change, check them before setting out.
Annual Events
Hathern holds a village summer fĂŞte every year; the Hathernbury music festival is also held annually. If you would like to plan your trip around one of the events, check the dates in advance.
Discover more destinations: Hinckley, Sibson, Ashby De La Zouch, Narborough, Croxton Kerrial, Measham, Orton, Swannington
For the regional travel overview: Leicestershire.
