Barkestone-le-Vale

infobox UK place
country = England
static_

static_image_caption=
latitude= 52.89
longitude=-00.84
official_name =Barkestone-le-Vale
population =
shire_district=
shire_county= Leicestershire
region= East Midlands
constituency_westminster=
post_town=
postcode_district =
postcode_area=
dial_code=
os_grid_reference= SK7834

Barkestone-le-Vale is a village in the northeast of Leicestershire, England.

History

The village originated as a 7th-century settlement, and is mentioned as a parish in the 1086 Domesday Book. [http://www.barkestonelevale.com/main.htm, accessed 4 Nov., 2007] It is now part of the parish of Redmile.

Buildings

Barkestone-le-Vale numbers some 120 dwellings, it used to have small primary school, however this closed down in the late 90's due to having only 17 pupils, the 'old school' was recently sold at auction. The building of main interest is the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, which dominates the landscape. Although there must have been a church for some thousand years, the present building dates back at least as far as 1639, when mention was made of its bells (now replaced). The church was restored in 1840. [http://www.barkestonelevale.com/main.htm, accessed 4 Nov., 2007] There is a large farm house, which has laid derelict for many years, this and its surrounding barns are currently being restored, for residential use.

Belvior Castle is nearby.

Countryside

A number of footpaths lead to the village, one of them connecting it to Belvoir Castle. [http://magnet.leics.gov.uk/magnet/prow/Search_AtoZ.asp?query=g, accessed 4 Nov., 2007]

The rural nature of the area makes it suitable for bird-watching. Some species that may be observed in the countryside surrounding the village are buzzards, quail, and reed and sedge warblers. [http://www.lros.org.uk/belvoir.htm, accessed 4 Nov., 2007]

Notes