The name originated when Baron Rawdon, who also held the Irish title Earl of Moira built the “Stone Rows” (now demolished) for his workers. These were built in the Irish cottage tradition and became known as “Moira Town” after his Irish estates.
After the discovery in 1804 of saline water springing from the strata underground whilst digging for coal in one of the Moira pits, the Marquis of Hastings who owned the land and mineral rights decided to exploit this asset and use the water for medicinal purposes. He erected a bath on a small scale for the use of local people in the surrounding area as an experiment. His aim was to create a spa to rival Matlock and Bath. However due to the fact that there was a lack of suitable accommodation for the richer clientel and the Baths were sited directly next to Bath Pit, which was not a very salubrious location, less than seven years later it was suggested that new baths be erected in nearby Ashby de la Zouch.
A public clock was presented to the area in 1932 by Lady Turner who lived at Donisthorpe Hall – in memory of her son Stuart Keates Turner, who died aged 32.
Tourism has boomed in the village since the closure of Rawdon Mine the site of which is now “Conkers” an award winning attraction with indoor and outdoor experiences, and Moira Furnace “a blast from the past” is a19th Century blast furnace and lime kilns next to the Ashby Canal which has been re-watered and a new lock built. Also at the Furnace is a craft village tea rooms, childrens adventure play area and a woodland plantation called "pit prop wood". The Canal Boat Joseph Wilkes is used for trips in the summer months.
Attractions nearby :
Moira Furnace and the Ashby Canal Conkers Sarah's Wood
Fascinating Facts:
A tree was planted in the village to mark the centre of the National Forest.
Moira is one of the few place names in England to end in an "a".
Joseph Wilkes in the latter part of his life was a real promoter, and at one time treasurer, of the Ashby de la Zouch Canal. Obviously well aware of the economic benefits the canal would bring to the district, Wilkes pushed local landowners such as theEarl of Moira to expedite its completion and was also to supply bricks for its construction.