The Rowley Building

...a cornerstone of working life, past and present

Adopting the trademark name ‘Peter Pan’ in the 19th century, hosiery company, R Rowley & Son, manufactured a range of hard-wearing attractive socks, underwear and knitwear for children.

Set up by Robert Rowley in 1867 at the age of 21, the current Rowley Building was a hive of activity. Having its own print shop and machine repair workshop, a community spirit thrived as materials were received, made up, pressed, boxed and labelled, and goods, including ladies knitwear, were despatched and exported worldwide.

R Rowley & Son, with its 10 factories and 1,400 people, was one of the cornerstones of local working life in Leicester. During the two world wars the company supplied military contracts and also survived the world-wide depression of the 1930s to become the third-largest employer in the hosiery and knitwear industry in Leicester.

However, the decline of the full-fashion knitwear industry in the 1950s and the emergence of high street stores in the 1960s led to the company being absorbed by Courtaulds in 1968. With further competition from overseas markets, production ceased completely in 1999.

Queen Street Apartments has sympathetically renovated and restored the building, being careful to retain much of its original character.

The Rowley Building reflects Leicester’s proud industrial past. It is classic and quirky, with a contemporary interior that complements the enduring industrial features, such as exposed original brickwork, feature ironwork and original staircase.

To view our apartments call +44 (0) 116 262 9222 now or email us