Leake Road

Originally called Crab Tree Lane then later part of Town Street it became Leake Road in about 1922. It takes its name from the fact that it leads to East Leake village.

From Curzon Street junction various types of dwellings have been built on either side of Leake Road. Notable properties along the route on the left-hand side include a pair of 18th century cottages, the out-buildings of one being used as a fire station during the WWII. Between here and the junction with The Square various small businesses were carried out in the houses over the years including butchers, antiques dentistry, fish and chips, groceries, newsagents, hairdressers, tea shop.

Beyond the village pump is the Parish Church of St Lawrence, built in the 12th century with subsequent repairs and renovations over the years.

The first reference to the Rectory was in 1743 when in was in a dilapidated state. Subsequently a replacement commodious mansion was built in 1853. Over the years the size of the building has been reduced and modified until its sale as a private residence in 1959. This Rectory had large grounds which were used as the venue for many events and celebrations. A new purpose built Rectory was built in 1959 in the garden of the old rectory being the first post WWII Rectory in the Southwell diocese.

On the right-hand side of Leake Road is notably the famous Cuckoo Bush pub built in 1858. Next is the cemetery opened in 1878 followed by the Church Hall, originally the National School built in 1829. A cottage, alongside, was built for the headmaster.

At the junction of Monks Lane is number 36, a fine Victorian house, built in 1863 and known as the Curate’s House. It was considered worthy for an inclusion in a book ‘Villa and Cottage Architecture’, 1868. On the opposite corner is an original farmhouse and farm outbuildings right up to original tithe barn. Besides houses a mixture of small businesses has existed on this land. These have included cobblers, bicycle shop, butchers, hardware, florist and petrol station.

Further along opposite the new Rectory is the bus garage, originally the South Notts Bus Company formed in 1926, but since owned by Nottingham City Transport from 1991. Still present on the site is a listed tithe barn.

A quarter of a mile out of the village on the right-hand side at the junction of Gypsum Way is the site of the original Glebe Gypsum Mine. Opened for mining before 1900, production continued until final closure in 1994.

About one mile from the village a small ribbon development of twenty dwellings on the left-hand side of Leake Road including Highthorn Farm is known as the Ridgeway. These dwellings all face the Rushcliffe Golf Course on the opposite side of the road.