[1] With your back to the Town Hall turn to your left onto Horsefair Street. Turn right in to Horsefair Street and the left onto the pedestriansed Gallowtree Gate.
[2] Just before the Clock Tower turn right and walk along Humberstone Gate.
[3] As you reach the road, use the pedestrian crossing to cross Charles Street and continue along the left hand side of Humberstone Gate.
Caution: Be aware of frequent buses.
(A) Humberstone Gate was the site of the annual May fair during the C19. It is alleged that here in May 1862, when she was six months pregnant with Merrick, his mother Mary, forced by the crush of crowd, stumbled and fell in front of the great feet of a parading elephant.
[4] At the former Three Cranes Hotel turn left in to Wharf Street South and continue along for around 300m.
(B) The site of The Gaiety Palace of Varieties. Now derelict, this site started life as The Gladstone Vaults before,the showman Sam Torr adapted it into a public house with a music hall attached. It received its grand opening on 3 September 1883 and was where Merrick first exhibited himself during 1884.
(C) Between Gladstone Street and Crafton Street West stands a short row of Victorian properties, the only buildings remaining from Merrick's day
[5] Turn left on to Fleet Street and then right onto Lee Street, following the parking sign that says 'Lee Circle (Blue).
[6] Take the next right into Byron Street, keeping left where the road forks.
[7] Take the first right into Bedford Street South. Pause at the junction with Lower Lee Street.
(D) Just past The Lahore Kahari Restaurant on Lower Lee Street is a car park which marks the site of Merrick's childhood home. The houses were small and lacked running water. The area was also prone to flooding, filling the houses with sewerage and garbage, leading to a high rate of mortality, especially amongst infants.
[8] Using the pedestrian crossing, cross Charles Street and walk along, bearing sligthly to the right to walk along Belgrave Gate.
Caution: Once again be aware of frequent buses.
[9] On reaching the Clock Tower, bear left into Gallowtree Gate. After 100m take the small alley to your right which emerges onto Market Place. Turn left and continue on with the covered market on your right.
[10] Where the road bends around keep left and then take the immediate right onto Horsefair Street, returning to Town Hall Square.