The Market Harborough Round (3) Burton Overy and Kings Norton

We are starting off from the village of Burton Overy, 9 nine miles south-east of Leicester city centre. Bit of a short walk today, a fitness test after the recent Steroid injection in the knee. I'm sure that all will be well! I've heard about the 'milk vending machines before, but never actually seen one until now. The milk is free-range. The cows graze outside for at least six months of the year. Milk sales currently stand at over 180 litres per day.

It's a bit of a dull day as we walk in a clockwise direction across the fields to Little Stretton.  

As we left the village a plaque half hidden amongst the undergrowth caught my eye. Being of an inquisitive nature I ventured further. The Ivy covered Oak tree was planted some 25 years ago to mark the local W.I's 70th anniversary. It isn't long before we get to our first stile.  a bit of a luxury one it is too! Very sturdy, a wooden path leading up to it and no barbed wire or electric fence to contend with. I think I've mentioned previously  how useful the bright yellow marker posts are for guidance purposes.   

We arrive in Little Stretton to the rear of the Church, or 'Chapel of Ease'. A smaller place of worship, more accessible to some parishioners than the main church. Moving around to the front entrance it is a bit surprising to find the door unlocked. Unfortunately the door to the tower was firmly locked, which was a shame.

 

 

 

In 1919, the village gained a certain notoriety as the location of the 'Green Bicycle case'. The case would prove to be one of the UK's most celebrated and controversial murder cases of the 20th century. A lady named 'Bella Wright' was shot and killed on 5th July by a single bullet to the face. On the fateful night she had been seen with a man who was riding a 'green bicycle'. The prime suspect was a man called 'Ronald Light' who initially denied, then admitted to being in the company of Wright shortly before her death. Largely due to a lack of motive Wright was acquitted of the murder. This despite a man matching his description being seen on the green bicycle. He is also known to have made attempts to dispose of both his bicycle and holster for his revolver in the canal.He had something of a checkered past too..In 1902, at the age of 17 expelled from Oakham School, for "lifting a little girl's clothes over her head"Attempting to seduce a 15-year-old girl, and had admitted to engaging in "improper conduct" with an 8-year-old girl. All sounds very dubious to my suspicious mind..

Kings Norton St John the Baptist Church

It's a short wall to the next village 'Kings Norton'. The very impressive church looms majestically  above all else. Dating back to the 13th century has an impressive and unusual crocketed spire that is a landmark visible for several miles.With a population of only around 70 in the village it seems almost out of place. A bit like Manchester United playing non league football perhaps? Maybe not. Anyway, It is  said to be one of the most beautiful churches in the midlands. I for one would not disagree.  

Snowdrops are always and indicator that Spring is around the corner. Although delicate looking they are extremely hardy. Creating a white carpet they will multiply every year. 

Would you believe it? Someone or something has only gone and snapped the top off  one of my beloved yellow markers posts.. They have however stuck it back into the hedge as a temporary fix. Got to have been a Tractor or some other form of farm machinery I would have thought?

Leaving Kings Norton we are heading back towards Burton Overy. Although not spectacular the countryside is more rolling fields and streams. By a Ford we cross the Roman Road 'Via Devana' or 'The Chester Road' or 'Gartree Road'. Whichever takes your fancy. It rand from Colchester through Cambridge up to Chester. The Latin name for Chester is 'Deva' and 'Via Devana' is thus 'The Chester Road'. 

Gartree comes from 'The Gore Tree', an Oak situated to the North of the Roman Road. Arguably one of the most important local landmarks in the ancient landscape. Ancient Oaks were revered by Pagan folk, Druids would worship the Oak and hold ceremonies beneath the branches. 

It looks as though someone has been taking pot shots at the sign by the Ford.Probably a shot gun at close range my ballistic instinct tells me.Perhaps I've just been watching too many American Detectives series on various channels?   

Returning to Burton Overy we pass the third church of the walk and dedicated to 'St Andrew'. Fully available for Marriages, Christenings, Thanksgiving for a Child and Funerals. Whatever your need may be really. An impressive looking medieval church. The two large east windows are both of a similar design They are separated by a large gargoyle that meets the two roofs from the chancel and north chapel.The tower is the oldest part of the church and dates from the late 13th century as does the south entrance. 

It's a nice little village and also has a pub 'The Bell'. With time on our hands it would have been pure folly not too have popped in. Two excellent pints of 'Timothy Taylor's Landlord' went down with little effort on my part.

A shorter walk, but no less enjoyable. in Total 6.5 miles distance covered.