Earl Shilton: Castle and Shoe History

Earl Shilton brings together medieval history and the history of shoemaking. A circular castle mound recalls the castle, while a trail explores the former shoe industry in Earl Shilton and Barwell. A church with features from different centuries and a park with a play area and memorial site add further points of interest. You can discover the town according to your interests in local history, architecture or spending time with younger children.

Castle Mound and Medieval History

The castle mound of Earl Shilton Castle is in good condition. It is circular and measures approximately 50 metres in diameter. It is likely to preserve archaeological evidence of buildings within it. Its clearly defined shape and this possible trace tell the story of the former castle in different ways.

The Earl of Leicester founded the castle shortly after the Norman Conquest; it was demolished in the late 12th century. So, at the same site, its foundation and end fall within a comparatively brief historical period. Anyone interested in Earl Shilton’s early history will find a tangible point of connection here—and a story that cannot be reduced to a precise date of construction alone.

Shoemaking in Earl Shilton and Barwell

The Earl Shilton Boot & Shoe Trail invites you to discover the former industrial heritage of shoemaking in Earl Shilton and Barwell. The story thus extends beyond that of a single place. The specific details about the factory and manufacturers relate to Earl Shilton.

The earliest factory in the county outside Leicester was established in three cottages on the main road through Earl Shilton. By 1896, the town had twelve shoe manufacturers. The two figures offer different perspectives: the beginnings of a factory in three cottages and the number of manufacturers reached by the end of the 19th century. This gives the shoemaking tradition a vivid dimension without reducing its history to a single workshop.

Church Architecture Spanning Two Centuries

The Church of St Simon and St Jude was rebuilt in 1855–56, with the exception of the 15th-century west tower. The building therefore combines a 19th-century church with a much older tower. It also features stained glass by Kempe and Co. Compared with the castle, founded shortly after the Norman Conquest and demolished in the late 12th century, the church shifts the focus to the centuries that followed.

Play Area and Memorial Site in the Park

Queen Elizabeth II Hall Field Park in Earl Shilton has an enclosed play area for children aged 0 to 7. This is a clearly defined facility for families with younger children. Check the latest access information before visiting.

The park also offers a place for remembrance: a memorial area with seating was created along the main path in 2014. A bronze plaque stands at the centre of the historic paving, also surrounded by seating. The Earl Shilton History Group wrote the text on the plaque, which records interesting facts about the park. The play area and memorial site appeal to different interests, making the park a destination in its own right for families with young children and those interested in history.

Getting Your Bearings and a Possible Walk

Earl Shilton Library is on the A47 main road in the centre of town. There is ramp access at the entrance; check the latest access information before travelling. A weekly “Earl Shilton walk” meeting is listed for every Tuesday at 10 am at Earl Shilton Methodist Church. Confirm the latest details before setting out. No duration or route is specified.

Discover more destinations: Market Bosworth, Hathern, Bottesford, Ibstock, Higham on the Hill, Kegworth, Melton Mowbray, Appleby Magna.

For the overview of the wider area: Leicestershire.