The counties in England are also termed "Shires." Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Derbyshire, all have county seats and each contain several towns.
Located in the East Midlands, at the heart of England, Leicester is one of the ten largest cities in England. It is approximately 65 miles by rail from London, or alternatively, 100 miles via the motorway or freeway.
Leicester is the European city with the most Asian citizens. The term "Asian" in the UK, refers to descendants of India, Pakistan and other Hindu related nations. With a history that can be traced back to the Iron Age, the city centre in Leicester has examples of architectural styles dating back to the Roman Times.
It is also Britain's first environmental city. Renovation and pedestrian friendly streets, has brought Leicester international recognition. In fact, it was recently honoured at the Rio Earth Summit, as one of the top twelve Worldwide environmental initiatives.
Leicester has two universities, the Leicester University and the De Montfort University. Both have a combined population of of 20,000 students. Leicester University's claim to fame, lies with Professor Alec Jeffreys, who in 1984 developed Genetic Fingerprinting there.
Do you like virtual reality machines? Leicester can lay claim to those too. The first ever machine was invented by Leicester's, "Virtuality."
For the train enthusiast, Leicestershire is home to the Great Central Steam Railway. Operating a steam service for over 100 years, this railway is Britain's only main line steam service that recreates the experience of famous expresses of the steam age.
What about Leicestershire's history?
As previously stated, it can be traced back to the Iron Age!
Renowned for it's history alone, Leicestershire incorporates famous historical figures such as Oliver Cromwell and Richard III. Who has not heard of Richard's famous battle cry, "My Kingdom for a horse?" Yes, the famous Battle Of Bosworth! Famous, I hear you ask? Famous enough for William Shakespeare to write of it!!
The 1485 Battle Of Bosworth, tells us of Richard's defeat. Killed by Henry Tudor's army, Richard's naked body was tethered to a horse and taken to the town hall in Leicester. It was exposed to public view for two days, before his remains were tossed over Bow Bridge, which spans Leicester's River Soar. His coffin, allegedly, was used as a horse trough at the White Horse Inn, a building still standing today!
But where did Leicester get it's name?
 |
 |
 |
Go To Page: 1 2
| Here's the follow-up discussion on this article: | View all related messages |
For a complete listing of article comments, questions, and other discussions related to Elizabeth Batt's Leicestershire topic, please visit the Discussions page.