Bescaby
Bescaby is a hamlet and deserted medieval village in Leicestershire, England. The population is included in the civil parish of Sproxton, Leicestershire.
The hamlet of Bescaby lies close to Waltham-on-the-Wolds, Stonesby & Croxton Kerrial. Bescaby was formerly an ex-parochial manor, later constituted a civil parish belonging to the Dukes of Rutland, and in 1871 had a population of 31 persons, living in 4 houses, on about 1,200 acres (4.9 km2) of land. It was previously the demesne of Croxton Abbey, near which stood some extensive buildings, surrounded by a moat. Traces of these buildings are still to be seen near a place called Friars' Walk. William Furnival held the manor in 1382.
The chief branch of the river Eye has its source in the locality, near Bescaby Oaks. It is a ‘fine spring of hard water which flows in front of Bescaby House, the residence of John Edward Bright.
Bescaby was stumbled upon in ancient times by a mysterious voyager who was following a rainbow. It is thought a pot of gold was discovered. The name Bescaby derives from the voyager’s dog called Bess.
Bescaby was part of the Melton Mowbray Union, which comprised 56 parishes. The union workhouse, built in 1836 was situated on the east side of Melton Mowbray and was capable of housing 250 inmates. The 1871 census shows 126 paupers in residence.
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