Leicestershire
Elizabeth Batt
Articles
The Great Melton Mowbray Pork Pie!
The original Pork Pie hails from the town of Melton Mowbray in Leicestershire, also home to the origins of our famous "Stilton Cheese."
Part three remembers the Battling Lobster.
On January 3 1642, Hesilrige was one of five MP's who escaped when King Charles entered Parliament.
Sir Arthur Hesilrige is a local hero within the county of Leicestershire and yet few pay homage to this English Civil War participant. Perhaps it was his alleged 'arrogant, forceful, foul-temper' which diverted historians from paying him true homage?
David Weston's professional career began in 1969 after a successful exhibition at the British Transport Museum. More than thirty years on, David has earned the right to be proud of himself and to have every fellow Lestrian share in that pride with him. It is therefore with honour that I present ...
This radio station and I, practically grew up together. It aired it's first broadcast on November 8 1967, a month shy of my very first birthday. It quickly incorporated itself into our home and lived with us for many years.
James Cook, a bookbinder of Leicester, stood trial on May 30 1832 for the premeditated murder of Mr. Paas. This is Cook's story.
So! You've eaten all the turkey and followed that with mounds of Christmas pud - got to get a year's worth in right?
Now what?
I've been through the best the city has to offer in terms of entertainment to see you through the New Year and beyond. No more boredom!
A Lestrian View of Elections in the USA
What exactly is going on with the election in America? Here's a Lestrian's view!
The Clock Tower - A Brief History
We continue our look at Leicester's Clock Tower with a brief history of the structure.
Part two of Braunstone Visitor Centre. We take a look at the park's role during World War II.
Braunstone Park Visitor Centre
Braunstone is a community in Leicester with it's own history to tell. Established in the late 8th or 9th century, Braunstone's records date back to 1086. Part one of a two part article.
It isn't until you're an ex resident of Leicestershire that you realise just how significant the Clock Tower really is for Lestrian's.
Born October 19, 1688 in Somerby, Leicestershire, William Cheselden achieved notable firsts in the history of medicine.
Leicester is riddled with canals. Take a look at a vacation with a difference.
Loughborough, a town in Leicestershire dates back to the Bronze Age.
Great Glen, sometimes spelled 'Great Glenn' is a small village six miles SE of Leicester. Even though small, it's historical attributes match many!
August in Leicestershire offers a host of events!
The Eco House is one of Leicester's first steps towards environmental unity.
In July 1990, Leicester was designated Britain's first Environmental City. What has it been doing to live upto this role?
Home to an enclosed order of Cistercian monks, this Abbey attracts a large congreagtion for modern Leicestershire.
Sacha, Duchess of Abercorn. A fitting name for a member of the British aristocracy. Her ancestral connections have allowed her to cross barriers that were once impenetrable.
The Battle of Bosworth Field - Points of View.
There is a lot of controversy surrounding not only the Battle of Bosworth Field, but the characters and ruling abilities of both King's involved. We take a look this week at some of these differing points of view.
"I Live a King: If I die, I die a King" - King Richard III, prior to the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Rich in history, Market Bosworth is foremostly remembered for it's association with the War of the Roses. The Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, was the culmination of a 30 year war and saw the defeat of Yorkist King Richard III.
Sporting Greats - Gary Lineker
Gary Lineker's football career not only took him all over England, but saw him playing in Spain and Japan too!
Sporting Greats - Jenny Pitman
From humble beginnings great futures often arise. Jenny Pitman's life is no exception.
Sporting Greats - Peter Shilton
Stasticially the safest goalkeeper that Leicester City has ever had is Peter Shilton. He conceded an average of only 1.18 goals per game, not bad in 339 appearances!
Joseph Wilson - From Leicester to Andersonville
Baptised on 31 July 1831 in St. Martin's church, Joseph emigrated to the USA and was mustered into the Corn Exchange Regiment.
Walkers Snack Foods Ltd, sponsors of Premier League soccer team, 'Leicester City,' developed from the inspiration of just one man.
Look into the past of brewing in Leicestershire as we follow the history of two it's local brewing companies.
The original Abbey Park Annual Flower Show and Gala show, has expanded in size and stature since it's beginning.
Abbey Park's history dates back to medieval times.
Abbey Park not only brings pleasure to the many residents of Leicester but also holds treasures galore for the history worshipper.
A continuance of last week's article on the famed Highwayman, 'Dick Turpin.'
Dick Turpin, the famous flamboyant debonair and handsome Highwayman.....or was he??
Coalville and Snibston Discovery Park
Coalville began life as a small town called 'Long Lane.' What events in Long Lane's history caused this change in name?
Ashby-de-la-Zouch, a town in Leicestershire has a castle that has played host to some pretty impressive historical figures!
Guest writer Janet Courtney takes us into the Leicestershire prison system of the 1700's.
Belvoir Castle sits overlooking the glorious Vale of Belvoir.
Dating back to Norman times, this castle survived two Civil Wars and a catastrophic fire.
This week we have a guest writer, Mike Gould, who offers us an excellant piece of writing on Kirby Muxloe, a typical shires village whose history dates back nigh on a thousand years!
We continue our look this week at Leicester City Football Club's rather colourful history.
Leicester City, the Blue Army, call them what you will, they have the greatest fans on earth! Part 1 of a two part article.
A successful worldwide travel agency, Thomas Cook's started with just one man!
The small picturesque village of Cottesmore is a most unlikely place for a military installation. Until recently it played host to a Tornado training base and it also was once a part of Leicestershire, until we let it get away!
Born in India, Engelbert Humperdinck was raised in Leicester, which in my book, makes him a native!!
Instead of looking forward to the year 2000, join me as I look back on key events of the 1990's.
Boxing Day, celebrated the day after Christmas, is a holiday in the UK. Discover where it's origins lie and how we celebrate it.
Christmas isn't Christmas without the taste and smell of the great British Christmas Pudding!
The first of a series of articles on Christmas and traditions in Leicester and the UK.
Burghley House in Stamford, is a fabulous testament to England's history.
Following on from my article about Great Glen. Read Max Wade Matthews writing on 20th Century Great Glen.
Many of us have read, heard or even seen the movie of "The Elephant Man." What you may not know, is that John Merrick was born in Leicester.
Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot!
Find out why for 400 years, England has burned effigies of Guy Fawkes on November 5th!
Morris Dancing's traditions date back hundreds of years. Almost lost, the traditions were reestablished by a historian in the 1800's.
Leicester Cathedral, a working cathedral sits in Leicester's busy city centre on 1600 year old ruins of Ratae (Leicester).
Elizabeth Heyrick born in Leicester formed a society to fight for the abolition of slavery.
Remembrances of Leicester - Reminiscences
Rev. George Harry Berridge remembers his own Granfather in my final part of Leicester remembered.
Remembrances of Leicester - Reminscences
A fascinating account of Leicester by Rev. George Harry Berridge Brewin - written in 1918.
Remembrances of Leicester - Part 2
This week we look at Leicester life through my Aunt's eyes. Now living in Cleveland Ohio, my Aunt's youth was spent in England.
Remembrances of Leicester - A Boy In War
A four part series looking at three different experiences of Leicestershire life. This first part is my Father's first experience with war.
The Conclusion Of The Belgrave Hall Investigation
We conclude our look at the ISPR investigation with the results the team found.
The Belgrave Hall Investigation
Dr. Larry Montz, founder of the ISPR explains his role as head of the ISPR and adds his account of the investigation of Belgrave Hall.
The Belgrave Hall Investigation
Derek Acorah found Belgrave Hall to be a unique experience. Read his account this week.
The Belgrave Hall Investigation
Shawn Roop tells us of his involvement during the investigation of Belgrave Hall. He also informs us of his first encounter with the paranormal.
The Belgrave Hall Investigation
Linda Mackenzie, psychic investigator for the ISPR, recalls the dream she witnessed before ever having seen Belgrave Hall.
The Belgrave Hall Investigation
We continue our look at the Belgrave Hall Investigation with an interview with ISPR's "Daena Smoller."
Recently Belgrave Hall in Leicester came under intense scrutiny due to a ghostly image caught on camera. This incident resulted in worldwide media attention and led to an investigation by the International Society for Paranormal Research.
Open your minds as we step into the world of the paranormal and witness the investigation ...
Breakfast, dinner and lunch courtesy of another Leicestershire cheese - the versatile "Red Leicester."
Daniel Lambert's notoriety chiefly rests on one factor - his weight! Once the "Heaviest Man in England," he still claims his place in the Guinness Book Of Records.
History In The Making - Part Two
We continue our look at the new space station planned for Leicester and we also discover how NASA is involved.
History In The Making - Part One
A new landmark project is underway for the city of Leicester. Planned for the coming millenium, it is hoped this project will capture the interest of all.
Famous Cheeses Of Leicestershire.
Leicestershire is famous for two cheeses. This first of a two-part article offers a history, recipes and complementary beverages for the most famous of them all. Stilton - The King of British Cheeses.
Stumped about what to do or where to go this Summer? Travel to the UK and visit a unique Eclipse Festival being held there. There really will be something for all!
In 1993, Leicester gained a promising new research institute into child psychiatric care. Read about the Greenwood Institute's long term and short term research projects, dedicated to children of all ages.
Part two of the article on my Grandfather. Gramps faces war and hazardous times lie ahead.
Today, April 30th is my Grandfather's birthday. In recognition of his service to his country. I dedicate this article to him.
DNA Fingerprinting - The Capture Of A Murderer
Two local girls are brutally murdered. It takes 4 years, a scientific breakthrough and the blood of 5,000 men to capture the killer. Here is the first crime case, solved by DNA fingerprinting.
Simon de Montfort was a French born noble. Read about how the claim to a title, connected him with Leicester and led him to lay down the foundations for one of Britain's greatest institutions.
The Leicestershire Constabulary.
Come and take a look into the Leicestershire Constabulary. Venture into their past and their present and read the amusing personal interlude that I have included!
The second part of a two-part article on Lady Jane Grey. Discover in this part how Northumberland plotted to retain his power at court, at the expense of Lady Jane Grey!
Part one of a two part article on the life of Lady Jane Grey. Jane ruled England for just nine days, before being tried for treason. Find out why!!
About Leicester and Leicestershire
A brief look at Leicestershire's location, it's past, it's present and it's crowning achievements. Glance into a sadistic past and then step into the present day. You'll be surprised!
A list of all my articles to date. Located in one place for your convenience!