10 fascinating facts about Leek

1. The town was granted a market charter in 1208, and Leek's ancient cobbled market place has been home to open-air trading ever since. In 1897, the Victorian Butter Market opened on the northern side of the market to provide additional undercover shopping.

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2. Following his successful breakthrough in dyeing Tussar silk, Wardle persuaded his wife, Elizabeth, to help market it by using it in her embroidery work. She was an accomplished needlewoman and was encouraged by Morris to form the Leek School of Embroidery, which produced beautiful embroidery pieces, examples found in many local churches.

3. The National Westminster Bank, in Derby Street, is thought by many people to be Leek's finest arts and crafts building. Larner Sugden, a contemporary of William Morris and an enthusiastic supporter of the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings, designed it. The bank will close for business in June.