Leicester Chronicler

Billesdon may have derived its name from its location on a hill. Its name indicates its ancient routes, as `bill' is from the Celtic for hill, and `don' is a Saxon word of similar meaning. However, at the time of the Domesday survey, the village was described as Billesdone, the clearing on a hill of a man called Bilheard.

Archaeological finds have confirmed that the high tree-capped area adjacent to the village, known as Billesdon Coplow, was occupied in the Bronze Age. A Saxon brooch has been found in the village.

Ever since James I granted Billesdon, in the Gartree Hundreds of Leicestershire, the rights to hold a Friday market, the village was a bustling rural centre. With the advent of the motor car, Billesdon became overwhelmed with traffic passing through its ancient centre on the main route between Leicester and Peterborough. Now the village is quiet, except for the distant roar of vehicles on the A47 bypass.

Billesdon is truly a gem amongst Leicestershire's villages. Post-war development on the outskirts of the village have not detracted from the charm of its centre. The old village school, built in the 17th Century, is still a centre for the community where various local societies and organisations meet. Its interior still displaying the fittings and furniture relating to its original use. Local primary school children now attend a modern brightly-decorated school nearby.

The close proximity of the school to the parish church is a reminder of the ancient associations between the church and education. The above view of the rear of the old school is taken from the churchyard. Children could no doubt see the tombstones of their ancestors as they studied.

In the shadow of the spire of the 13th Century parish church, is this chocolate-box image of rural England, the thatched Church Cottage.

Within the older centre of Billesdon, different eras of development are evident as in this end wall of a cottage. Note the earlier roof line and the blind windows.

A further view of the market place and war memorial. The road in the foreground formerly carried traffic travelling between Leicester and Peterborough and the East Coast ports. Now it is a place for quiet reflection. The oldest part of the village cross on the left of this picture is dated to the 14th century.