Belton

This interesting old village stands on the edge of Charnwood Forest. Belton is an ancient name, the earliest known record of it being in 1125. However, its earlier history is obscure. About a mile to the south of the village, on the east side of Forest Road, is a small field surrounded by a moat which has been identified as an ancient fortified dwelling enclosure of pre-Roman times. Although Dark Age in date, excavations have uncovered much Roman pottery and the site is now scheduled as an ancient monument. Belton used to be famous for its horse fair, once one of the largest in the country, which was held annually at the beginning of July.