Description

This illustrated history portrays one of England's oldest cities. It provides a nostalgic look at Leicester's past and highlights the special character of some of its most important historic sites. The photographs are taken from the unique Historic England Archive, the nation's record of 12 million photographs, drawings and publications, ranging from the 1850s and the earliest days of photography up to the present day.Historic England: Leicester shows the city as it once was, from its churches, parks, streets and alleyways to its Victorian mills and textile factories. Leicester has been at the very heart of the country's political and economic development for over two millennia. Evidence of Roman occupation remains at the Jewry Wall, Cardinal Wolsey lies buried in Leicester Abbey and, in 2012, the skeleton of Richard III was discovered lying beneath a car park. The city grew rapidly in the 18th and 19th centuries with the construction of the Grand Union Canal and the arrival of the railway. These developments encouraged and accompanied a process of industrialisation which intensified throughout the Victorian era; hosiery, textiles, and footwear became the major industrial employers. Today, Leicester is a major distribution centre and has managed to attract new service and manufacturing businesses through its academic-industrial connections with the engineering departments at Leicester University, De Montfort University and nearby Loughborough University. Bristol remains on the country's most important cities and this book will help you discover its colourful and fascinating history.