Top Hat Terrace

Leicester's first private detective, Francis 'Tanky' Smith was hired by the Winstanley family of Braunstone Hall to find James Winstanley who had disappeared in Europe. Unfortunately Winstanley was found to be dead, but Smith was generously rewarded for his efforts and in an act of modesty he had a house built which was decorated with images of himself in his various disguises. This house is on the west side of London Rd between the train station and Victoria Park. Whether revealing his disguises ended his undercover career I don't know. Smith's son also developed Francis St in Stoneygate.

The photos show all the faces on the house (some pictures have been edited).