IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
King Street, MELTON MOWBRAY, LE13 1XA

Melton Mowbray's oldest house. Rescued from a state of decay, it became the local tourist information centre. Sadly, local authority cuts resulted in it becoming unoccupied again.

Comprising Nos.3 and 4. No.3, to the left, dates from the mid 18th century, the wind forming no.4 being added in 1895. Listed Grade II.

Blooming Fresh, a florists at the top of the pedestrianised part of King Street. This shop displays its wares on the pavement when it's open with a splash of colour.

Birch & Son, a specialist regional food shop at the top of the pedestrianised part of King Street.

Behind the photographer is a short pedestrianised section of King's Street linking this end of King's street with the town's 'general household market' area. Ahead, St Mary's Way passes between a long-established toy shop and the Regal cinema (c.1930s). See also: Image

Reputed to be the oldest secular building in Melton, this house was built in the early 14th century for John de Mowbray, Lord of the Manor of Melton. Altered and extended in the 16th century, it was remodelled early and late 19th century to become a shop. It has a timber frame with brick infill rendered in 19 century, and a hipped and gabled pantile roof. It is a Grade II* Listed Building. Unoccupied for 15 years until it was placed on the National Register of Buildings at Risk in 1998, it befitted from a £800,000 refurbishment (paid from the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage and the local council) to become the town's tourist information centre. Unfortunately Melton Council, in their wisdom, decided that it would be more efficient to have interactive digital information points around the town and closed the centre after only a few years of operation. After its closure it was occasionally used by charities and artist groups as an exhibition space and it was feared that it would fall into disuse again. Luckily it has been successfully occupied by Melton Toys since November 2009.

Looking from the Market Place towards the Melton Toy Shop (in the yellow building Image]) and the Regal Cinema (the brick building in the distance Image]). This pedestrianized part of King Street has an eclectic mix of shops.

The oldest house in Melton. After much concern over the building's future when the Local Authority pulled out of using it as a tourist centre it is good to see it now the successful Melton Toy Shop. I think this used to be No 5 but has been renumbered.

Looking towards the market from near the junction with St. Mary's Way.