Diseworth
Diseworth is a fascinating but sleepy village in the North of Leicestershire. It is close to East Midlands Airport, and is in fact closer to Derby than it is to Leicester.
The main streets betray, in their names, the village’s roots in the Danish occupation – Clements Gate, Grimes Gate, Hall Gate and Lady Gate.
The parish church of St. Michael and All Angels dates mainly from the 13th century, but it is known that a church existed here several hundred years earlier. There is an Anglo-Saxon font.
The thatched and timber-framed Lilly’s Cottage, at the main crossroads in the village centre, was the birthplace in 1602 of the notorious astrologer William Lilly. While publicly supporting Parliament, Lilly took part in an abortive attempt to free Charles I from Carisbrooke Castle. He also dabbled in magic.
There is an 18th century Baptist chapel and a sheepwash by the site of the Old Hall.
On the edge of the village is a clapper bridge.
Blue Badge Guide Colin Crosby is available to lead Guided Walks around Diseworth for groups.