Grace Dieu

Grace Dieu Manor was built in 1833/4. It was designed in the Gothic style by William Railton who also designed Nelson’s Column. At one end of the house, linked to it by a picturesque tower, is a delightful chapel designed by Pugin. This little place of worship is rich with monuments, paintings and some superb German stained glass designed under Pugin’s direction.

The Manor House became the home of Charles Booth, a wealthy Liverpool business man who achieved fame through his study of the lives and times of the working class in London. His works, first issued in 1903, spanned a massive 17 volumes and the author paid all publication expenses.

His report was a social revelation and his recommendation that the problems should be dealt with by state intervention was a pointer towards the Welfare State.  Booth died in 1916 and is buried in nearby Thringstone. The House has subsequently been converted to a preparatory school.

 Grace Dieu Priory

 Renowned as one of the most haunted places in Leicestershire, the Grace Dieu Priory was founded over 700 years ago by Lady Roesia de Verdun, who now lies in Belton church.300 years later it suffered at the hands of Henry VIII during the reformation. It was given to John Beaumont of Thringstone.

The Beaumonts built their own Tudor Manor at Grace Dieu. Park your car in the Bulls Head on the A512 and walk through the shady woodland trail to a picturesque ruined priory and picnic in the grounds. If you come at dusk it gets quite spooky. Regular ghost walks take place.