Conservation Areas in Harborough district - Illston on the Hill Conservation Area

The village lies in open countryside between the B6047 Melton Road and the village of Kings Norton. The village is a linear settlement along Main Street which is a cul-de-sac terminating just south of the Manor House where it becomes a farm track.  

The settlement occupies a prominent position on a hill, the most dominant feature being the tower of the medieval Church of St. Michael and All Angels. Views of the church and village are particularly significant from the north and west. The hill top nature of the settlement is then clear. There is a strong character to the Main Street as a village with many 18th and 19th century red brick dwellings, some with vitrified headers to the Flemish Bond brickwork. A water pump is prominent close to The Old Post Office.

At the far end of the street is the Manor House, a fine late 17th century predominantly stone building with a notable stone and red brick wall, contributing much to the character of this side of the village. An unusual feature of the Manor House is its position at a right angle to Main Street facing south-west away from the village.

North-east of the village Main Street divides to skirt a triangular piece of land and from it leads roads to the B 6047 and to Kings Norton. South of this land is Lodge Farm, of part-ironstone construction dating from the late 17th century. Together with the Manor House this property stands out amidst its red brick neighbours.

The church and churchyard are an important feature of the Main Street. The rebuilt churchyard wall is in red brick with dark headers and is wholly a retaining wall to the street, the churchyard with its medieval stone cross, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, being at a higher level. To the west the churchyard abuts a small field with a ha-ha.

Illston on the Hill Conservation Area map