Sitting in the northern part of Leicester, Northfields is a suburban area made up of three residential estates – Tailby, Morton, and Northfields proper. To the west lies the ward of Belgrave, with Rushey Mead to the north-west on the far side of the Midland Main Line. Humberstone and Hamilton border the area to the east across Victoria Road East, while Coleman and North Evington sit to the south-east and south respectively. Just to the north, beyond Gipsy Lane, lies the Troon Industrial Area and Estate.
The Origins of the Name
The name Northfields traces back to one of three open fields that once nearly encircled Leicester. This particular field was enclosed in 1764 and subsequently developed as residential land. The timing proved fortunate – the land was built up ahead of the major population surge brought by the industrial revolution, which meant Leicester largely avoided the severe overcrowding that afflicted many other industrialising towns of that era.
Crime and Community Regeneration
Despite being a relatively small area of just three estates, Northfields developed a reputation for criminal activity, at one point accounting for around 30% of the recorded crime rate across the wider Leicester area. In response, The Northfields Project was established to address these issues directly. The initiative focused on practical improvements including security fencing, street lighting, and public recreational spaces, with the aim of making Northfields a safer place for residents.
Administrative History
Northfields fell within the Charnwood electoral ward, which was represented on Leicester City Council and recorded a population of 13,291 at the 2011 census. Charnwood ward was abolished in 2015, and the majority of the area, including Northfields, became part of the newly drawn Troon ward.