Skip to content
Home Timelines Search

Central Mosque
  • The first mosques in Leicester were set up in residential properties as far back as 1965
  • The Central Mosque complex includes a school, community hall, mortuary and a guest house as well as the main prayer hall
  • There are currently over 35 mosques in the city catering to a Muslim population from a wide variety of denominations

The Islamic Centre

First established in 1968 by a group of Pakistani Sunni Muslims, the Islamic Centre would go on to expand from a side street in Highfields to the grand Central Mosque on Conduit Street.

The original Islamic Centre is still on Sutherland Street, made up of converted residential buildings, it is certainly one of the oldest mosques in Leicester. As the congregation grew throughout the 1970s it became clear there was a need for a larger, purpose built mosque to accommodate them. The Trustees and Management Council from the Centre started a project to raise the funds for what we know today as the Islamic Centre, Leicester Central Mosque.

This impressive building is located near the railway station and the city’s cultural quarter, in an area with a significant Muslim population. The foundation stone of the mosque was laid in a ceremony attended by Muslim scholars from across the UK and international visitors on 27th August 1988.

The mosque complex includes a main prayer hall, offices, a school, a community hall, a sports hall, imam’s residence, a mortuary and a guest house.

Central mosque 28 03 2018 01
The impressive interior showing the inside of the dome

Muslims in Leicester

Large numbers of Muslim workers from India and Pakistan were recruited for a variety of British industries in the 1950s and 60s. Leicester had a thriving clothing industry during these decades, which included the manufacture of hosiery, knitwear, footwear and machinery.

Central mosque 28 03 2018 10
The original Islamic Centre on Sutherland Street, established in 1968

Local Muslims were using the houses in Sutherland Street as a mosque as early as 1965, leading to the establishment of the Islamic Centre in 1968. Throughout the 1970s many people of Indian descent from East Africa came to Leicester, including many Muslims.

There are now over 35 mosques in the city of Leicester, which cater for a population of more than 50,000 Muslims. Leicester is home to a variety of Muslim organisations that work towards interfaith understanding and community cohesion. This includes, among others, the Muslim Burial Council of Leicester, which received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Organisations in 2007.

Find out more about Central Mosque including opening times.

Timeline
Early 20th Century Leicester
Continue the story
Visitor information
Public access inside during certain times

Gallery

Painted tiles in the mihrab at Central Mosque. The mihrab is the semi-circular niche in a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca -
Painted tiles in the mihrab at Central Mosque. The mihrab is the semi-circular niche in a mosque that indicates the direction of Mecca
Islamic calligraphy adorns the inside of the dome -
Islamic calligraphy adorns the inside of the dome
The Central Mosque complex has various facilities including a sport hall -
The Central Mosque complex has various facilities including a sport hall
The Central Mosque is on Conduit Street in Leicester -
The Central Mosque is on Conduit Street in Leicester
The impressive interior showing the inside of the dome -
The impressive interior showing the inside of the dome
The original Islamic Centre on Sutherland Street, established in 1968 -
The original Islamic Centre on Sutherland Street, established in 1968

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
story of leicester
Your ultimate guide to visiting the city