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Known to all the locals as The Pepperpot, this Air Shaft is the only evidence above ground of the Saxelbye Railway Tunnel. There are other Air Shafts along the route of the Grimston Tunnel near, Tunnel Farm there. The route is that of the Syston and Peterborough branch of the former Midland railway, Grimston is on the Nottingham and Melton section.
Here (map reference SK723204) we are at a height of 120m above sea level with magnificent views, especially to the south over Asfordby, Kirby Bellars (including The Flying Childers Inn), parts of Melton Mowbray and to the Hill Fort at Burrough Hill.
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Taking the unclassified road northwards we turn left at Glebe Farm (or take a short diversion forward to the next village, the domain of Lord King of Wartnaby) and proceed down the hill and enter the village.
Here you can admire the Church of St. Peter and stroll through the village of ancient and modern buildings and the famous Cheese Dairy. |
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As we leave the village we pass under the Railway Bridge near the old Station House and turn left at this gateway towards Saxelbye Park atop the gentle rise before us and Park Farm on the left. The mansion house is partly hidden by trees and housed troops during WWII...... |
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.......something not easily remembered in the tranquility which exists on a beautiful Summer day in this Millennium year.
On our left we have views over open country, the scene of much agricultural activity, small farms nestling in the wolds, Lord Aylesford's covert, Shoby Scholes, the old Roman Road and on towards Whatborough Hill and the taller buildings and cooling towers of distant Leicester. |
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After a long gentle incline we enter Grimston. At one time the village was called Grimstone - the Church is a substantial edifice dedicated to St.John and there was a Wesleyan Methodist Chapel to serve the Parish.
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Marriage may be considered almost a "rural industry" following the Marriages (Approved Premises) Regulations 1995 under the Marriage Act 1994 as amongst the buildings wherein civil marriage ceremonies may now take place is The Olde Stocks Restaurant (telephone 01664 812255). Of course one can take refreshment there as well as at the nearby Black Horse Inn. |
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The privately occupied Old School House adjacent to the Village Green and opposite the Restaurant adds to the pleasure of the picturesque scene and the general ambience. |
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But the local "naughty boys" and others are no longer fastened in these well-preserved village stocks for public view and ridicule! |