Groby ( ) is a village in the Hinckley and Bosworth borough of Leicestershire, England. It is to the north west of Leicester. The population at the time of the 2011 census was 6,796.

The village saw a huge expansion during the 1970s along with the village of Glenfield. The historic village centre retains some of its historic buildings, cobbled lanes and thatched cottages. The church of St Philip and St James, built in the lancet style by George Harry Booth-Grey, the sixth Earl of Stamford, dates from 1840 and stands in the grounds of Groby Castle. The architect was William Railton. Additionally the village was also home to the former Groby Old Hall, the stone-built parts of which are thought to have been part of the castle's outer buildings. By 1086, the lord was Hugh de Grandmesnil who was also associated with the hundreds of Goscote, Guthlaxton and Gartree in Leicestershire. The estate was held by the Ferrers family until 1445 when it passed to the Grey family. By 1800 the village had expanded with the population reaching 250, and by 1920 it had reached 1,000.

Education

There are four schools, Lady Jane Grey Primary, Elizabeth Woodville Primary and Martinshaw County Primary, whilst Brookvale Groby Learning Campus is located on a campus to the west of the village, and attracts students from Groby and surrounding villages including Ratby, Kirby Muxloe, Glenfield, and sometimes Markfield and New Parks. There is also a Scout troop based on the edge of Martinshaw Woods.

Industry

The old quarry in the village centre is now an industrial estate - mostly owned by the company GE Sensing formerly Druck Ltd, which makes pressure transducers.

Groby Quarry is located on the narrow lane which leads through to Newtown Linford, and is still used to quarry granite.

Groby Pool

thumb|Groby Pool

Groby Pool, "reputedly the largest natural expanse of open water in Leicestershire" is a lake located opposite the quarry on Newtown Linford Lane. It is owned by Hanson quarries and managed by English Nature and became an SSSI in 1956. Due to lack of drainage, "it is one of the most significant wildlife areas in Leicestershire." The origins of the pool are debated. Theories include that it resulted from the damming of Slate Brook by monks from Leicester Abbey or that it was a Roman clay-pit for pottery production.

There is a public car park a few minutes' walk to the southeast, and it is possible to walk along the east side nearest the lane, although access elsewhere is restricted. Visitors are requested NOT to feed the birds as it changes the water balance and damages wildlife. The pool has a strict no fishing rule. In 2017, a number of notices were erected around the pool perimeter advising visitors NOT to paddle or swim due to blue green algae.

References

  • Grobyonline, News and articles about Groby
  • Groby Parish Council
  • The Groby Directory