Market Harborough to Melbourne! Corsets that travelled the globe.

R & W H Symington Co Limited had one of the first mechanized corset factories in England. They took over a disused factory in 1861 in Adam & Eve St, Market Harborough and the company experienced rapid growth. This was credited to entrepreneurial skill and their most famous product 'The Liberty Bodice', manufactured for almost 70 years and worn across the world.
Today the building houses Harborough District Council, Harborough Museum and other shared public services. Join this peak inside to reveal hidden places not usually open to the public. Delve into the building's manufacturing past, learn about the family business and their workers illustrated with images and film from the archives.

Timings & Tours

Saturday 13 September:

Tours 10.30, 12.30 & 13.30

Saturday 20 September:

Tours 10.30, 13.30 & 14.30

Location & directions

Harborough District Council and Harborough Museum, The Symington Building, Adam & Eve Street, Market Harborough, Leicestershire, LE16 7AG

Directions:

The nearest pay & display car park is Symington Way car park a short walk from the rear of The Symington Building.

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Bookings online. Limited places. If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your place so that someone else can enjoy the tour.

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://visitharborough.com/events/2025/09/heritage-open-days

Booking opens:

24 Jun 2025 12:00 AM

Booking closes:

06 Sep 2025 12:00 AM

Accessibility details

The onsite lift is available for access to the third floor. No children under 12.

Additional information

Please note that essential renovation works to restore and preserve the condition of parts of The Symington Building are currently taking place.

Max no of people per tour:

15

Est. tour duration:

0 hour(s) 45 minute(s)

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