Clarendon Park, Leicester
Clarendon Park is an area in the south of the city of Leicester. It is bordered by Welford Road to the west, London Road to the east, Victoria Park to the north and Knighton Road to the south. It is part of Castle Ward and the constituency of Leicester South. There are two major shopping streets; Queens Road and Clarendon Park Road. These two roads intersect near the centre of Clarendon Park, with Queens Road running north-south, and Clarendon Park Road running east-west.
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History
Until the nineteenth century, much of the land now covered by Clarendon Park is said to have been owned by the Society of Friends, whose meeting house is still situated in the area. It is widely believed that it was the Society's opposition to the consumption of alcohol that led to there at one time being very few pubs in the area, although several bars have opened in recent years along Queens Road.
In 1877 a group of local businessmen founded the Clarendon Park Company after buying 120 acres of land in the area. The origin of the name 'Clarendon Park' is unknown, but it has been suggested that it was chosen because it "bestowed an appropriate dignity on what was intended to be a good class residential district".[1]
Building work began immediately on this initial plot, and the surrounding land was quickly invested in by other local entrepreneurs. Architects active in Clarendon Park in these early years include James Tait, Isaac Barradale and Ernest Gimson.[2]
Clarendon Park today
An important influence on Clarendon Park is its proximity to the University of Leicester. A large number of university students live in the area, something that has led to it being described as "a redbrick uni nirvana".[3]
Leicester Squash Club and Leicestershire Lawn Tennis Club are both based in Clarendon Park.
Clarendon Park is known as a centre for small independent businesses, with cafés and vintage and second-hand shops particularly well represented.
Notable people
Joe Orton lived in the area in his very early years.
Sergio Pizzorno, guitarist in the rock band Kasabian, has family in Clarendon Park[4] and is a frequent visitor.
Schools
St. John The Baptist Church of England Infant and Junior School is situated on East Avenue and Clarendon Park Road, was officially opened in 1974.[5]
Places of Worship
Clarendon Park Congregational Church opened in 1886.[6]
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References
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