How Saxby Street Got Its Name

Local street names first sparked our interest in this project, because they acted as a reminder of the intolerance towards all things connected with Germany at the end of the First World War. The project sought to find out about life in the South Highfields area of Leicester during the conflict. We looked at how both rich and poor lived, ate, worked and died. We told the story of the soldiers who fought and the impact upon the families they left behind. One hundred years ago, South Highfields was quite a cosmopolitan area whilst today it is hugely rich in cultural diversity. We spoke with local people who had wartime family histories from around the world. Our main project outputs were a book, 'How Saxby Street Got Its Name' (ISBN 978-0-9931180-0-5) and an exhibition that toured schools and libraries in Leicester. Run by volunteers from a Residents Group, the project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Leicestershire Archaeological and Historical Society. We also received help and support from the East Midlands Oral History Unit, Kirby & West Ltd, Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society, the Friends of Welford Road Cemetery, Leicester Arts and Museums Service, and the Records Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland. Thirteen volunteers researched and wrote for the book, with many others sharing family stories or contributing in other ways. Our 2015 project book is available as a PDF via the website link below.