Melton Mowbray’s history can be traced back for at least 1,500 years dating back to the Saxon period if not before. The town was important enough to have been a royal mint in the reigns of King Aethelred II (978-1016) and King Canute (1016-1035).
The first King that is recorded as having paid a visit to Melton Mowbray was King Richard the Lionheart. On his way back from Nottingham after capturing the castle, bringing the rebellion of his brother John successfully to an end, he visited Melton Mowbray, on the 5th April 1194 to visit the Lord of the Manor, William de Mowbray.
DURATION
120 minutes (2 Hours)
MEETING LOCATION
Military Working Dogs memorials outside Melton Borough Council, Parkside, Station Approach, Melton Mowbray, LE13 1GH
FINISH LOCATION
The Market Square.
MAX GROUP SIZE
20
WHEEL CHAIR ACCESSIBLE
Yes
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Assistance dogs as well as well behaved pets are welcome on the tours.
WHAT’S INCLUDED?
- Professional Guide
- Walking tour through the historic market town of Melton Mowbray, visiting key locations associated with the towns rich and diverse history.
- Discount Vouchers for local café’s & businesses
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Gratuities
- Water
WHAT TO BRING
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Wet weather clothing/umbrellas
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund or a voucher for a future tour. We know that plans can sometimes change and that’s why we offer a generous cancellation policy.
TOUR OVERVIEW
The earliest recorded royal visit to Melton Mowbray was by King Richard I, also known as Richard the Lionheart, in 1194. He was accompanied by King William of Scotland, who sought, but did not obtain, the restoration of the counties of Northumberland, Cumberland, Westmoreland, and Lancashire to the Kingdom of Scotland.
Subsequent visits were made by Kings John, Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III, Henry IV, Henry VI, Richard III, and, in 1487, Henry VII. Notably, Richard II, Henry V, Edward IV, and Edward V – who reigned for only two months before his death at age twelve in the Tower of London – are not formally documented as having visited Melton Mowbray.
In more recent times, with the exception of George V, all monarchs or future monarchs have visited the town. These include George IV, William IV, Victoria, Edward VII, Edward VIII, George VI, Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and Prince William. It was during the Melton Hunt that Edward VIII met Mrs. Wallace Simpson, an American divorcée. Their subsequent visits to Melton marked the beginning of a relationship that ultimately resulted in Edward’s abdication.
Other royals and aristocrats who visited Melton during hunting season included Empress Elisabeth of Austria and Queen of Hungary (1874), the Maharani of Jaipur, Lord Cardigan (who led the Charge of the Light Brigade), and the Marquis of Waterford, known for his “Painting the Town Red” incident in 1837.
On this 2 hour walking tour we will look at the stories of the Royals who visited Melton.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
Explore in confidence with HistoryFare.
Book directly with HistoryFare to get the best price on our tours. If you find it cheaper within 3 days of booking, we’ll refund the difference.
IMPORTANT
Whilst we do accept walk-up participants, HistoryFare Tours regularly sell out. To avoid missing out and to get your preferred choice of tour date, we highly recommend booking now.
HistoryFare’s Accessibility Promise
HistoryFare is committed to making travel more inclusive for everyone. Clear, honest information about accessibility is provided wherever required.
The guided walks are designed to provide a step free access or alternative locations to ensure all points of interest can be enjoyed by all wherever possible.
Parking facilities, step-free access, senior-friendly routes, and accessible attractions are all taken into consideration when developing a HistoryFare guided tour.
We listen to customers feedback and continuously improve our services to better serve all travellers. If you have a question about accessibility issues, then please get in touch to see how we can help.
MOBILITY HIRE
If you need to hire a mobility scooter or a wheel chair to enable you to access HistoryFare Tours, these are available for hire from ShopMobility Melton Mowbray, subject to a small hire charge and availability. Please visit their website for contact details.
