Leicester ~ LE1

Situated in the centre of England and with a population of around a third of a million, Leicester is the tenth largest community in the U.K. and the East Midland's largest city. A very old city, its history goes back to the roman occupation when, due to its strategic position it was an important military centre known as Ratae Coritanorum. Standing on the Fosse Way, it was directly linked to Colchester. By the time of the Norman Conquest, Leicester was referred to in the Domesday Book as a city but over the centuries dwindled in size to what was essentially a small, but thriving traditional market town. During the Industrial Revolution, Leicester became an industrial centre and soon achieved major status as a manufacturing and commercial town. It attracted the railways and its population just went on increasing as more people moved in to take a share of the new prosperity. Leicester was granted renewed City status in the middle of the 20th century and has gone on growing. During the last seventy years or so, the city has attracted immigration from many parts of the old Commonwealth and today is a vibrant, multi-cultural community with a huge ethnic diversity.

Places of Interest

The city has many beautiful and interesting sites and parks. Those recommended in or near to Leicester include:

• Bradgate and Swithland on the edge of the city boundary boast a thousand acres of moorland and ancient woods. Deer and peacocks roam freely and you can view the ruins of Lady Jane Grey's house.
• The Leicestershire Museum and Art Gallery on New Walk is home to the biggest dinosaur in Europe. The museum also houses an important arts collection.
• Remains of its Roman past are carefully preserved in modern Leicester. There are some wonderful mosaics to be seen in the Jewry Wall Museum, built alongside a Roman wall and baths.
• The Abbey Park and Gardens are complete with a Chinese peace garden and a pleasant boating lake.
• Belvoir Castle - seat of the Duke of Rutland and one of the finest stately homes in England.

Living in Leicester - Education, Shopping and Travel Links

Communication links with the rest of the country are first class. The city is in the centre of both motorway and rail networks. London is less than an hour and a half's journey by rail. The East Midlands International Airport is conveniently close. Shopping in the city is good. It has a seven hundred year old market, selling everything from clothing to fresh, locally produced fruit and vegetables and meat. The usual range of high street stores are found in the pedestrianised shopping areas as well as many specialised shops selling ethnic foods and clothing. The Shires Shopping Centre also contains an excellent array of shops.

Leicester has around 30 infant and junior schools, around 60 primary schools and some 15 secondary schools. The city offers excellent adult education facilities and has 3 Universities.

Estate and Letting Agents for Leicester LE1