Leicester is situated on the River Soar and the Grand Union Canal and dates back to Roman times. The county of Leicestershire in central England has many interesting towns, and is proud of its heritage. Leicester itself is renowned for its architecture and is classed as Britains first 'Environment City'. This title was given to Leicester in recognition for its commitment to green issues.

Romans

Leicester's history dates back to the time of the Romans in 41-54 AD, with the establishment of a fort, near the river Soar. They chose this site in the middle of the territory of the rebellious natives called the Cortitani. Leicester was called Ratea Coritanoram, and was a fortified town built on the Fosse Way.

High Cross

Some ten miles outside Leicester to the south-west, two Roman highroads meet, Watling Street and the Fosse Way. This point was known as High Cross and was marked by a monument. According to the Romans this was the exact centre of England, and was said to be the furthest inland point from any coast.

Jewry Wall

The Romans constructed the public baths in 138-192 AD, the remains of which can still be seen at the Jewry Wall site.

The Jewry Wall is the largest free-standing Roman Structure in the country, and many relics from this time can be seen in the Jewry Wall museum. There are also the remains of a Roman pavement under the former Central Station and below a shop fronting St Nicholas church. Leicester was also the home of King Lear, which fired Shakespeare's imagination into writing his famous play King Lear. The Romans constructed a temple in the 3rd Century. This was rebuilt by the Saxons and is called St. Martins Church, which now holds cathedral status. Roman rule ended in 450AD.

Saxons & Normans

In Saxon times, Leicester was the seat of the East Mercian Bishops, and came under Danish rule in 877AD and became one of the five towns of Danelagh. The Danish influence can still be traced through the street names - Church Gate and Gallowtree Gate, deriving from 'Gata' the Danish word for Road. Around the time of the Doomsday Book, Leicester consisted of around 322 houses dominated by a Norman Castle. The medieval castle became the base of the earls of Leicester; the most distinguished of these was Simon de Montfort, who forced King Henry III to start the first English parliament in 1265.

The Church of St Mary de Castro was built in Norman times and can still be visited today. Geoffrey Chaucer was married here and Henry the VI was knighted here later. In the 14th Century, the beautiful Guildhall was built with a magnificent oak beamed roof. This building has been used as a Town Hall, police station and more recently as a Museum, where items from the old cells are on display. In its time as a Town Hall, Shakespeare recited his verses to Queen Elizabeth there.

During the 17th Century, Leicester became famous for its hosiery trade. Many hundreds of Asian immigrants came to settle in Leicester because of this industry during the late 1950's early 1960's. They now make up over a third of the population of Leicester, and this helps to make the Leicester of today a lively, colourful and friendly community. Belgrave Road and Melton Road are lined with Indian and Pakistani jewelers, sari and Hindu music shops and many eating houses selling authentic Indian food.

There are many cultural events held throughout the city to celebrate the religious festivals. Just outside the city, is Abbey Park a once Augustinian Abbey, where Cardinal Wolsey died in 1530, while he was on his way to London to face charges for high treason. Although very little remains of the Abbey, a plan in bricks is laid out on the lawns.

Bosworth

Another historic event to have taken place just outside Leicester, was the Battle of Bosworth Field. It was the last battle to take place in the War of the Roses, a long and violent conflict ending with Henry Tudor the victor and Richard III dying on the battlefield. Richard III was quite a charismatic character and is said to have taken a glass of water before the battle saying "I live a King: if I die, I die a King". This battle took place on the Redmoor Plain just outside the town of Market Bosworth, and is today a tourist attraction with events from the battle being depicted in the form of plaques.

Industrial

Leicester's industrial past covers many different industries, such as hosiery and textiles. The River Soar, Grand Union Canal and the Ashby Canal, were at one time the commercial heart of Leicester, and today they have been restored and are used for mainly pleasure craft and people looking for tranquil walks away from life's hustle and bustle.

Mining

Mining also played a part in Leicester's history and you can visit the Snibston Discovery Park for hands-on-experience of mining.

Sport

For the sporting enthusiast, Leicester boasts an excellent Football Club dating back to 1884. Leicester City Football Club is in the Premier team division and can be found at Filbert Street. The club have been frequent visitors to Wembley winning many trophies over the years. Leicester also boasts Rugby champions Leicester Tigers. During the summer months you can watch cricket at the home of Leicestershire's County Cricket Club situated in Grace Road.