Loughborough is a town within the Charnwood (borough) borough of Leicestershire, England. It had a population of 57,600 in 2004. It is the second largest settlement in Leicestershire after Leicester, is the seat of Charnwood Borough Council, and the home of Loughborough University.
In 1841 Loughborough was the destination for the first package tour, organised by Thomas Cook for a Temperance movement from Leicester. The town has the world's largest bell foundry - John Taylor Bellfounders, which made the bells for the Carillon war memorial, a landmark within the Queens Park in the town, Great Paul for St. Paul's Cathedral, and York Minster. The first mention of Loughborough is in the 1086 Domesday Book.
To the north of the edges of Loughborough, Dishley Grange Farm was formerly the home of agricultural revolutionist Robert Bakewell (farmer). The farm was also once home to the annual Leicestershire County Show. Loughborough's local newspaper is the Loughborough Echo, although there is also the Loughborough Guide. However the town is also served by the Leicester Mercury.
Due to a large percentage of Australians living in and around the town as students and alumni of the University, it occasionally gets named Loogabarooga, both purposely for comic effect by Australians in the town and accidentally by visiting Australians and Americans unaware of its correct pronunciation.
