Long Eaton

Long Eaton is referred to as Aitone, in the Domesday Book. Several origins have been suggested, for example "farm between streams" and "low-lying land". It was a farming settlement that grew up close to the lowest bridging point of the River Erewash. The "Great Fire" of Long Eaton in 1694 destroyed 14 houses and several other buildings in the market place. The village remained a stable size until the construction of the Midland Counties Railway in 1839 and the Erewash Valley Line in 1844, which brought links that encouraged growth. Two industries came to employ many people in the growing town: lace-making and railway wagon manufacturing. A large railway yard at Toton Sidings grew up just…

]] One notable building is the Palladian Long Eaton Town Hall. Originally a private house, it is now owned by the borough council and forms part of the expanded offices of Erewash Borough Council, which opened in 1991. The Parish Church of St Laurence stands to the east of the Market Place. Local tradition dates parts of it to the 11th century, possibly built under Viking King Cnut. However, some place the oldest parts of the church after the Norman Conquest, possibly in the 12th century. It was originally a daughter church of All Saints' Church, Sawley, but gained separate status in the 19th century. The other religious buildings of note are: There are several fine examples of industrial…

Long Eaton is home to The Duchess Theatre, which hosts amateur productions from groups based in Long Eaton and the surrounding areas. It was rebuilt in 2010, following a fire in 2003 that destroyed much of the original building. Notable amateur theatre groups in the Long Eaton area include: Both Erewash Musical Society and LEOS Musical Theatre Group also run youth societies, which enable young people to perform in musical theatre productions.