Leek

About Leek

The historic market town of Leek is the main town of the Staffordshire Moorlands, and is referred to by local inhabitants as ‘The Queen of the Moorlands’. It is situated on the southwestern edge of the Peak District National Park, on the slopes of a hill that looks out over breathtaking scenery.

The origins of the town dates back at least as far as Domesday, when the then villager was mentioned in the Domesday Book as ‘Lec’. Before that, there is evidence of early settlements in the area with two crosses that still stand in the churchyard, one dating back to the 10th century, and the other to the 11th century.

The major changes in the shape of the town happened in the 18th century as the town was introduced to silk weaving and mills began to spring up to accommodate the new form of industry. It was during these prosperous periods that many fine buildings were erected that still stand today, including the Nicholson Institute. Nothing of this former industry remains in Leek, apart from the mills themselves. One well worth is the James Brindley Water Mill, which is a working mill and museum.

The town still prospers however, and is well positioned from which to explore the surrounding regions.