Leicestershire Parish Councils

High Street, Barwell

Situated to the north-east of Hinckley, Barwell occupies a high point on the ridge from Earl Shilton to Hinckley.

Physical evidence from Neolithic to the Roman period has been found, especially with the confides of St Mary's Church. The village was first mentioned in the doomsday book as Berryall but was later changed to Barwell.

Barwell was best know for its boot and shoe trade boasting 11 shoe manufacturers in 1896. The area became a major centre of production, manufacturing boots for the army during the first world war. During the 1970's foreign competition made shoe production uneconomical and within 20 years the industry had collapsed leaving only two shoe companies and the factory buildings to mark the industry's passing.

The village has two churches. In Church Lane a 13th Century church called St Mary's Parish Church, Barwell and Barwell Methodist Church in Chapel Street. The Parish church was built in 1220 and has an interesting board at the back listing all of the rectors beginning with William in 1209 up to the present day

The town has a successful football and cricket teams and also a large indoor bowling complex.

The Queens head is the oldest public house and the oldest building, apart from St Mary's Church.