14 - The Rushes

Gotham Moor was once an area of swampy ground until drainage ditches were dug. Bordering the swamps were reed beds and rushes. They were used together with local plaster to make floors and ceilings in village cottages.

There used to be a flourishing basket and cane furniture industry in East Leake. Even during WWII Italian PoWs brought to the village to work on the farms would make baskets to sell for cigarettes or a little extra pocket money.

Paradise Farm is no longer a farm, but the name is typical of that given in the past to the latest farm built in the village (and by implication, the best or paradise). It has a dovecote incorporated into it. Many low beams are present in the house but no date of original build is presently available.