So What Is Our Letter X?

  An A-Z of Architects of Loughborough

For a complete list of the A-Z posts please head over to the bloglist.

Sadly, I have been unable to find an architect connected in some way with Loughborough, whose name starts with an X. This comes as no surprise, as there are no architects listed under letter X in the ‘Biographical Dictionary of British and Irish Architects 1800-1950’. What, then, can I share with you?

What about ‘xylography’, which is the name given to the process of engraving patterns into woodblocks, which are then used for printing? I always think it’s quite interesting that the former Ladybird Books factory on Windmill Road was taken over by Anstey Wallpapers, who are also printers, but of, umm, wallpaper, rather than books. Very exciting that the company holds the William Morris archive of woodblocks, which were used to create those wonderful wallpapers. I believe the staff do factory tours, too!

Related to xylography is ‘xylotek’, which apparently means a company which specialises in designing and making advanced timber structures. I’m presuming this means things like modern house frames, rather than the frames which the carpenter made for our 13th-century buildings, like the manor house, now Caravelli’s. As an aside, this research has actually been really helpful in providing me with knowledge that means that finally after more than 60 years of knowing the visual differences between a glockenspiel and a xylophone, I can now remember which is called what!!

Or another interesting word, and one that can be applied to architecture and urban design, perhaps - ‘xenodochial’. This word refers to spaces that are designed specifically to be welcoming, friendly, and hospitable to visitors, newcomers, and strangers to a place. The word comes from two Greek words, ‘xenos’, which means guest, or stranger, and ‘docheion’, which means to receive. It’s certainly a word that I have never used before, but thinking about the concept of welcoming and friendly in terms of architecture and urban design, it’s possible to look at Loughborough, and consider what we have that’s friendly and welcoming, and what we could have, but haven’t yet got.

Charnwood Borough Council’s (CBC) 'Loughborough Town Centre Masterplan February 2026, has clearly given xenodochia some thought, as the foreword states (my highlighting):

“Loughborough’s town centre is an important commercial and cultural hub which is a focal point for the town and the wider borough of Charnwood. It draws people in from many parts of the East Midlands and is visited by people from across the UK and beyond. Whether shopping, eating and drinking, visiting beautiful parks, using commercial services or having business meetings, Loughborough town centre caters for all and is a welcoming, diverse and safe place.”

Still in the foreword, it is stressed that CBC want Loughborough to thrive, and to be welcoming and attractive. Further into the document, it is considered that actually the people of Loughborough want a more vibrant, active, and welcoming town centre, and later, ‘attractive’ is added to that list.

When considering the Devonshire Square, Cattle Market, and nearby car parking area, CBC suggests future development here should provide safe and welcoming streets, after all, no-one wants to feel unsafe in the town centre, and no-one wants to feel alienated. The plan is that along the road which was previously the A6, updating shop frontages will encourage more visitors to the area, and improved safety in the area will create a more welcoming gateway to our lovely town centre.

CBC have identified that there are a number of inter-related themes, which affect all areas the masterplan is trying to address. One of these is the public realm and townscape. In this theme, one aim is to promote walkability and community safety, to ensure the town centre is safe, accessible to all, and welcoming. A welcoming environment is one that is safe, secure, clear of refuse, and well-lit.

Heritage and culture is another theme that was identified, and there is recognition that our heritage is not all located in the town centre, and finding a way to link such heritage assets, perhaps through trails, clear signage, lighting etc. would create a more inclusive and welcoming experience.

What more can I possibly say!! After all, Loughborough is already the best town in the world!  

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I’m taking part in the April A-Z Blogging Challenge!

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Posted by lynneaboutloughborough

With apologies for typos which are all mine!

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