Melton's Old Courthouse in Church Street is honoured with Blue Plaque award

Toasting the occasion, from left, are Shelagh Core (Melton Mowbray BID manager), Dinah Rudman (former chairman of the civic society), Dinah Hickling (senior townwarden) and Sarah Martin Browne (owner of Whitehouse Photography) EMN-160816-121504001

When the society was wound up earlier this year it was unanimously agreed by members that its remaining funds should be used for a Blue Plaque to be placed on one of Melton’s most historic buildings – the Old Courthouse in Church Street - the current home of Whitehouse Photography.

The plaque is the last in a series of six presented by the society to places of historic interest in the town. The Old Courthouse has a fascinating history spanning almost 500 years having once been part of the Old Swan Coaching Inn and the town’s court house. One of its claims to fame is that the body of Lord Byron rested there one night on its final journey to Newstead Abbey.

Whitehouse Photography owner Sarah Martin Browne said: “We’re honoured to have been given the plaque, it’s such an important historical building with a long history in the town and to have that recognised is wonderful.

“I’d also like to thank the Melton Mowbray Business Improvement District (BID), for its work behind the scenes getting the plaque on the wall, and senior townwarden Dinah Hickling for helping to celebrate the occasion.”