William Ludlam (c1717–1788) - Leicester
Places in Leicester associated with William Ludlam
Very few buildings remain in Leicester city centre from William Ludlam's time. These images are of places he would have known. The earliest dates from a few years after his death.
 Detail from The South Prospect of Leicester, by Samuel and Nathaniel Buck, 1743 |
Coloured engraving showing the complete image. Click on image for larger version. |
 A view of Leicester from the site of the Abbey, 1790.
| From: Throsby, 1791. Click on image for larger version. |
 St Mary de Castro, Leicester, 1795.
| The church where William Ludlam was baptised and buried. From Nichols, 1815. Click on image for larger version. |
St Mary de Castro, Leicester, 2012.
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Click on image for larger version. |
 Leicester Free Grammar School, published 1815
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The origins of Leicester Free Grammar School date back to the middle of the 16th century with a bequest from William Wigston's estate. Boys from Leicester could attend, free of charge. In 1564 it was re-founded with an annual grant from Queen Elizabeth I. At the time, the school was part of St Peter's Church. However, the church fell into disrepair and materials from the church were used to construct the building now standing in Highcross Street. It was completed in 1574. This is the earliest known image of the school. From Nichols, 1815. Click on image for larger version. |
 High Cross Street, 1825
| The Grammar School can be seen at the end of the street. From: Flower, 1825 Click on image for larger version. |
 Leicester Free Grammar School, 1893 |
The writing on the building says "THE MIDLAND BREWERY COMPANY LOUGHBOROUGH ALE STORES". From: Cowrie, 1893. Click on image for larger version. |
 Leicester Free Grammar School, 2012.
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It is now a restaurant. Click on image for larger version. |
 Wigston's Hospital, published 1815
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This building was demolished in 1875. From Nichols, 1815. Click on image for larger version. |
 The Confrater's House, Wigston's Hospital, 1825.
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William Ludlam's brother, Thomas Ludlam (1750–1812) was Confrater from 1755-1812. William spent some time living at the Confrater's House. The street name has changed over the years from Southgate Street to Highcross Street and now Applegate (the original Applegate Street was further west). From: Flower, 1825 |
 Text for Flower's drawing of the Confrater's House. | |
 St Martin's Church, 1792
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From Nichols, 1815. Click on image for larger version. |
 St Martin's Church, now Leicester Cathedral, 2013 | Click on image for larger version. |
 The Town Hall, now the Guildhall in 1825 |
From: Flower, 1825 Click on image for larger version. |
 Leicester Guildhall, 2013 | Click on image for larger version. |
Maps
The area around St Martin's, Leicester in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.
 Map of Leicester, 1722.
| In Fielding Johnson, 1906, opposite p324. Full version of map. |
 Map of Leicester, 1792.
| From: Throsby, 1791. Key i - St Martin's Church, m - Castle, n - St Mary's Church. Note: the grave of Richard III was found on the other (east) side of New Street (south of St Martin's), close to, but not at, the site marked on the map. Full version of map. |
 Map of Leicester, 1828.
| In Fielding Johnson, 1906, opposite p3. Key: a - Town Hall [now the Guildhall], d - Wigston's Hospital [now demolished]. Full version of map. |
References
Cowrie, George, The History of Wyggeston's Hospital, The Hospital Schools and The Old Free Grammar School Leicester, 1893. opposite p89, photo of Leicester Grammar School, 1893.
Flower, John, Views of ancient buildings in the town and county of Leicester, 1825.
Nichols, John, The history and antiquities of the county of Leicester : Vol. 1, Part 2, 1815, Plate XXXIV (opposite p495): Engraving of Wigston's Hospital. Plate XLIII, opposite p590, St Martin's Church. Plate XXVIII, opposite p326, Free School
St Mary de Castro, Leicester: Virtual Tour
Throsby, John, The history and antiquities of the ancient town of Leicester, 1791. Plan of Leicester, dated 1792, opposite p1. Plate XXI. View of Leicester in 1790.
University of Leicester: Free Grammar School, Leicester - building survey
Last updated 31st July, 2013.