Leek in Staffordshire, England, is situated on the River Churnet surrounded by the countryside of the Staffordshire Moorlands and just a few miles south of The Roaches which rises to 505m and lies on the tip of the Peak District National Park. Known locally as the "Queen of the Moorlands", the busy historic market town of Leek has a population of 20,000 and is situated in the beautiful Staffordshire Moorlands.
Leek Market |
Leek |
Rudyard Lake Steam Railway |
Rudyard Lake |
Leek is the administrative centre for the Staffordshire Moorlands District Council and was granted its royal charter in 1214.
Leek has had a regular cattle market for hundreds of years and the town's markets still remain active today including the Leek Moorlands Country Market open every Wednesday
7.30am - 3.30pm
During the industrial revolution , Leek became a major producer of textiles and many of the mills from this era still remain. Some manufacturing continues though many of the mills are being turned into accommodation units. Britannia Building is a major local employer woith the Society having its headquarters based in the town.
Leek was home to James Brindley, the 18th century canal engineer who built a water-powered corn mill in the town in 1752 which is now a museum. Another local notable was William Morris, founder of the Arts and Crafts movement, who lived and worked in Leek between 1875 and 1878. The pop group the Arctic Monkeys also came from the town
Several major attractions are situated close to Leek including Rudyard Lake , home to the Rudyard Lake Steam Railway, and Alton Towers.
Leek Arts festival takes place in May.
External links:
Staffordshire Moorlands District Council
