Local List of Heritage Assets, 2022 Update

Railway Bridge, Broughton Lane, Leire

Ref: Leire/001

Construction Date: 1840

Architect: Unknown

Original Use: Railway Bridge

Current Use: Bridge over road.

Condition: Good

Parish: Leire

Ward: Broughton Astley South & Leire

Reason for Inclusion

Historic Interest

The bridge was on the Midland Counties railway line from Leicester to Rugby. Opened in 1840, this was the earliest railway line in the Harborough district and was part of the 'pioneering phase' of railway development (up to 1841). It was absorbed into the Midland Railway in 1844. The line closed in 1962. The small Leire Halt station was located south of the bridge from 1926-1962.

Architectural Interest

A skewed, arched brick bridge over the road. Blue brick with some red brick repairs. Stone parapets, quoined stone-built abutments/retaining walls.

Associative Interest

An example of the early part of the railway history in the district and the C19th developments that the railways brought to places.

Midland Counties Railway was absorbed into the Midland Railway in 1844. Mr George Murray-Smith, Chairman of the Midland Railway Company, purchased Gumley Hall in 1897 and lived there until his death in 1919.

The bridge has a landmark quality as it provides a physical gateway to the village from the north.