level by Leon Spence (Labour). Following a campaign by local people, the District Council carried out a community governance review and made an Order on 12 May 2010 to set up the new Parish Council. Whitwick Parish Council held its Inaugural Meeting on 18 May 2011. Mount St Bernard and Gracedieu Mount St. Bernard Abbey, a Cistercian monastery was established in 1835 in the parish of Whitwick on the Charnwood Forest. The current monastery was designed by the famous architect Augustus Welby Northmore Pugin, best known for his work on the Houses of Parliament. In 1840, a hoard of two thousand Roman coins was discovered during ploughing operations at the monastery. Gracedieu Vineyard is south facing and was established in 1995 in Charnwood Forest. Its 'Green Man' wine is based on the Madeleine Angevine grape. Notable residents Thomas Elsdon Ashford - Recipient of the Victoria Cross. Freedom of the Parish The following people and military units have received the Freedom of the Parish of Whitwick. Individuals Sandy Flamson: 14 February 2023. References External links Whitwick Parish Church Whitwick Historical Group Whitwick Parish Council Villages in Leicestershire Civil parishes in Leicestershire North West Leicestershire District