Broom Leys Unveils Local Heritage Panel

The Charnwood Forest Geopark celebrates the region's rich geological and industrial heritage and we were honoured to be chosen as one of several sites to share the stories of Charnwood Forest.

Our panel focuses on William Whetstone, a 19th-century tile manufacturer whose tiles were used in notable buildings like the Grand Theatre in Leeds and Salisbury Cathedral. Whetstone originally built Broom Leys House, which now serves as our school.

Parts of our school still feature original tiles from Whetstone’s factory, providing a tangible link to the past. The panel, accessible on our external fence, connects local heritage with our curriculum, linking history, geography and the arts. In fact, our pupils have enjoyed creative tile-making workshops, celebrating the craft that shaped our community.

Headteacher Robert Prior expressed excitement about the initiative, stating, "We were thrilled to be selected as part of the Charnwood Forest Geopark initiative. Hosting an interpretation site at our school not only highlights the rich history of Broom Leys House and the tile-making industry in Whitwick but also connects our pupils and community to the broader heritage of the locality."

Meanwhile, Dr Jack Matthews, Geoheritage Officer at Charnwood Forest Geopark, also praised the project, saying, “Broom Leys House has such an interesting and varied history, we are so glad that it is now celebrated as part of Charnwood Forest Geopark. Situated on our western boundary, it is the perfect place to welcome people to the Geopark.”

This project enhances learning opportunities and supports the Geopark's vision to become a UNESCO Global Geopark.