Skip to content
Home Timelines Search

Leicester Walking Trails

See more

Leicester’s Windrush Generations

See more

The King in Leicester

See more

Leicester Market

See more

Silver Street and The Lanes

See more

Welcome to the Story of Leicester

Explore two thousand years of history, from Leicester's humble beginnings through to a modern-day city. Find out how Leicester’s social and built heritage plays a key part in the city today and into the future.

Start exploring...

New Walk

New Walk is a rare example of a Georgian pedestrian promenade. Laid out by the Corporation of Leicester in 1785
Savoy Cinema

The new Art Deco style Savoy Cinema was opened on Belgrave Gate in June 1937. Part of the ABC group, it was the largest cinema in Leicester at the time.

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

Change time period...
  • Roman Leicester
  • Medieval Leicester
  • Tudor & Stuart Leicester
  • Georgian Leicester
  • Victorian Leicester
  • Edwardian Leicester
  • Early 20th Century Leicester
  • Modern Leicester
The Golden Mile

The story of the Golden Mile is one of resilience and enterprise. For many years the Belgrave Road was a thriving area with large companies such as Wolsey and the British United Shoe Machinery (BUSM) company sharing the nearby streets with many smaller workshops and businesses.
A City of Diversity

From the Roman times until today, Leicester has become home for people who have emigrated from all over the world. In 2016 a study by the Economic and Social Research Council concluded that Leicester’s Narborough Road was named the most diverse street in the UK with shops run by people from 22 counties spread across four continents.

Featured pages

Leicester Guildhall

Leicester Guildhall dates back to medieval times and would have been a building of importance during the time of Richard III.
New Walk

New Walk is a rare example of a Georgian pedestrian promenade. Laid out by the Corporation of Leicester in 1785
The Clock Tower

The Clock Tower was built originally as a solution to traffic congestion on the site of the town´s former hay and straw market in 1868.
story of leicester
Your ultimate guide to visiting the city