City of Leicester & Leicestershire - The Good and Historical Stuff

[davieG]

On 17th April 1817, six Luddites were hanged "on the new drop" in Infirmary Square for machine breaking at Heathcote and Boden's factory at Loughborough. The six men, William Withers, Thomas Savage, John Amos, Jos Mitchell, John Crowther and Rodney Towles, went to their deaths. At noon, they were led from  Leicester prison, ‘fine looking young men in the prime of life, health and vigor’, according to the Leicester Journal. A sympathetic crowd of 15,000 had gathered to watch the men die, showing their solidarity by singing hymns with them as they walked to the gallows.

[Grebfromgrebland]

Maybe the Luddites had a good point after all.

[Free Falling Foxes]

Ned Ludd, from whom the Luddites derived their name, was an Anstey lad.

[Stadt]

Can’t remember if I mentioned it on here but I went to the botanical gardens recently. Very serene and a rare free of charge attraction.

[davieG]

1 minute ago, Stadt said:

Can’t remember if I mentioned it on here but I went to the botanical gardens recently. Very serene and a rare free of charge attraction.

Used to go there quite a lot when I lived in Oadby, last time I went it had been neglected quite a bit bit I believe they are planning or have started to restore it it.

[Stadt]

50 minutes ago, davieG said:

Used to go there quite a lot when I lived in Oadby, last time I went it had been neglected quite a bit bit I believe they are planning or have started to restore it it.

Yeah they were working on parts of it.

[davieG]

Made In Leicester

Rob Hubble  ·

High Street 1900s.

[davieG]

History of Leicestershire in Images

John Finch  ·

The Freeman, Hardy and Willis factory in the city centre after it was destroyed by a German bomb during the Second World War..

Photo : Leicester Mercury.

[davieG]

 

The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester & Rutland

· 

THAT WAS THE WEEK THAT WAS - 21st April 1925

Great news about Leicester being a place for a major air port. It does have a lot of potential.

[Free Falling Foxes]

https://www.visitleicester.info/whats-on/old-town-festival-p709811

 

And at the same time......

 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czx13zwn3rzo

 

Seems like Leicester City Council have the same organisational and planning skills as Leicester City Football Club. 

 

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/opening-date-set-embattled-leicester-10132180

 

Opening date set for embattled Leicester museum after series of delays
The road to reopening has been a bumpy one, but at last the wait is almost over

What's On
ByHannah RichardsonLocal Democracy Reporter
11:28, 25 APR 2025

The long-awaited grand re-opening of Leicester’s Jewry Wall Museum has been announced after a series of delays. The museum closed to the public in 2017 after the former Vaughan College pulled out of the site, allowing new owners Leicester City Council to embark on a plan to turn the 1960s listed building into a new attraction.

It was designed to not only show off Leicester’s history, but also introduce Roman history to all ages, with the wall believed to be the largest piece of surviving non-military Roman history in the country. However, the road to reopening the museum has been a bumpy and delayed one.

The first setback came in 2019 after the local authority discovered the building would require more work to suitably revamp it than was initially planned with the original £7 million price tag shooting up to more than £11 million. The project was then forced to halt because of Covid-19, with further delays hitting the revamp when two contractors went bust.

 

 

The café will be open to everyone, regardless of whether they have bought tickets for the museum

At last, however, the wait is nearly over, with Leicester City Council saying the new Jewry Wall Museum will welcome its first visitors on Saturday, July 26. More than 100 Roman artefacts found in Leicester and the wider county will be on display.

Visitors will be welcomed by an immersive film taking them on a journey through the excavated areas of Roman Leicester. Interactive displays, games and projections will allow visitors to explore the 2nd century site, transporting them back in time to experience everyday life in Leicester as it was around 2,000 years ago, Leicester City Council has said.

Ticket prices will start at £6.25 for children, with the full adult admission set at £12.50. Concession and family tickets will also be available, with the full price list available below.

The museum will also boast a café, open to the public without the need to buy a ticket, where people can look out on the remains of the Roman bath house.

A 'botched' project
The announcement of the opening date comes as the city council faces backlash from opposition councillors over its decision to make cuts to a number of other historic sites in Leicester. Opposition groups are demanding the council suspend plans to shake-up its museums services, a move which will see Belgrave Hall close to the public, and opening hours cut at Abbey Pumping Station and the Newarke Houses Museum.

They are also calling on the authority to cancel a proposed shake-up library services, with the authority considering shutting two buildings, while a further 11 could be transferred to community groups which would run them. Reductions in staff and opening hours are also on the cards for some libraries, with the cash-strapped council currently consulting on the proposals which it says would save £2.1 million a year. The authority says it needs to save £23 million this year to allow it to balance its books – something it is legally bound to do.

A special meeting of the council is to be held next week to debate these matters at the request of opposition groups. They have branded the Jewry Wall redevelopment a “botched” project which has ultimately cost the council £16 million.

City mayor Sir Peter Soulsby said: “It’s fair to say that this project has faced more than its fair share of challenges, with a global pandemic and not one but two key contractors going out of business during the construction phase, so I’m delighted that we can now – finally – look forward to the opening of this brilliant new attraction for Leicester. Everything that will be on display in the new museum has been discovered right here in Leicester and Leicestershire, from the Blackfriars Mosaic that’s been described as one of the finest mosaics found in Roman Britain, to a beautifully crafted bronze key handle that depicts a man grappling with a lion, uncovered by archaeologists right next to Jewry Wall on Great Central Street in 2016.

“The opening of the new museum [...] means that Leicester can finally shout about its Roman roots, offering visitors another must-see attraction in our historic city and making local people even more proud of Leicester’s extraordinary 2,000-year history.”

 

Ticket Prices
Adults (16+): £12.50
Concessions: £11.50
Children (5-15): £6.25
Family tickets: £32 (2 x adults + 2 x children)
Official carers and children under 5: free of charge
Tickets allow visitors to visit the museum as many times as they like within a 12-year period, subject to conditions. A joint ticket is also available for those who wish to visit both the Jewry Wall Museum and the King Richard III Visitor Centre, with adult tickets for both attractions costing £23 and a family ticket priced at £62.

 

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/free-highcross-event-celebrate-leicesters-10130248?int_source=nba

 

Free Highcross event to celebrate Leicester's Roman heritage
It's being billed as an 'epic time-travel adventure'

What's On
BySamuel KalantzisReporter
16:07, 24 APR 2025

A free event hosted by the Highcross shopping centre is celebrating the city's Roman heritage. The competition forms part of the Return of the Romans showcase.

The free event sees visitors take part in a Roman trail, after they pick up a map from the customer service desk, available until this Sunday, April 27. From those participating, a lucky winner will receive two free cinema tickets and some gifts from John Lewis.

The return of the Romans event also includes a special showing of the movie Gladiator in Showcase Cinema De Lux, on Saturday, April 26. A Highcross spokesperson said: "Get ready for an epic time-travel adventure! The Romans are marching in, and it's going to be legendary! Join us to uncover the secrets of an ancient world right beneath your feet."

The Old Town Festival takes place later this month, celebrating St George and Leicester's history
Adding to the Roman theme, the Old Town festival is also part of the return of the Romans event, which is taking place in Jubilee Square and the Old Town area of city centre. The festivities will take place between Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27.

For those partaking in the roman trail with a chance to win some prizes, the winner will be announced on Tuesday, April 29. More information can be found on the Highcross' website.

[davieG]

https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/whats-on/free-classic-car-event-set-10116895

 

Free classic car event set for Leicestershire town return this summer
Enthusiasts are invited to showcase their vehicles

ByDylan HaywardReporter
15:11, 20 APR 2025

Attendees will be able to share experiences with other car enthusiasts
Attendees will be able to share experiences with other car enthusiasts (Image: Supplied)
Classic car enthusiasts are being invited to a series of free events in a Leicestershire town centre this summer. The Classic Vehicle Meets will take place on Thursday evenings, with car lovers able to showcase their prized vehicles in Market Place, Hinckley.

The events will run from 5pm to 8pm on three dates throughout the summer months. Attendees will be able to view a range of vehicles including vintage models and modern classics during the evening gatherings.

The events will be held on Thursday, June 19, Thursday, July 17, and Thursday, August 21. Hinckley BID, which is organising the meets, says all are welcome to attend.

 

Attendees will be able to view a range of vehicles including vintage models and modern classics
Attendees will be able to view a range of vehicles including vintage models and modern classics (Image: Supplied)
Organisers say the events aim to celebrate automotive history and provide a space for enthusiasts to share stories and experiences. A spokesperson for Hinckley BID said: "Whether you're a classic car owner or simply a fan, these events are the perfect opportunity to appreciate automotive history and culture. Each meet promises an evening filled with stunning vehicles, camaraderie, and the chance to share stories and experiences with other car enthusiasts."

Admission to the Classic Vehicle Meets is free for all attendees. Those wanting to showcase their vehicles can simply turn up on the evenings.

[davieG]

The Rise and Fall of Leicester's Roman Forum

 

Leicester's very own Roman Forum  Built in less than 24 hours by renowned French artist Olivier Grossetête (and a team of volunteers) using cardboard and tape.  Then, one day later, see it brought crashing down by another group of over-enthusiastic volunteers! All part of Leicester's excellent Old Town Festival (Roman Edition)

[davieG]

Story of Leicester

Today we have this wonderful view, looking down Bishop Street towards Granby Street - you can just see one side of the Turkey Cafe in the centre left of the photo.

Taken in the 1930s, this photo shows some fashionable young adults crossing the road with a surprising number of cars and vans surrounding them.

There's a stunning looking open top car of the left and a coal van to the right - it looks like it was owned by a company called 'Whercock's Coal'.

What an amazing snapshot in time!

 

I think it's W. Hercocks and they still exist - https://williamhercock.co.uk/coal-smokless-fuels...

[davieG]

 

Story of Leicester

Who here used to enjoy some live music at the Il Rondo?

Silver Street was at the heart of Leicester's Mods scene in the 1960s. The Mods were the first post-war generation to enjoy social and creative freedoms, with a passion for music, fashion and a rebellious lifestyle.
For many of Leicester's Mod venues, the unwritten caveat was they had to have a decent juke box and plenty of space on the front to show off the scooters!

Learn more about the local Mods scene from Leicester Museum's Exhibition Archive:
https://www.leicestermuseums.org/.../mods-shaping-a.../

[davieG]

 

Story of Leicester

 

The columned frontage of Campbell Street Station. Photo from Leicestershire Record Office.

The Midland Counties Railway Act (1836) led to the building in 1840 of Leicester’s first mainline railway station, Leicester Campbell Street, on land behind London Road. The Midland Railway line connected Leicester to Derby and Nottingham, and Rugby to the south, enabling Leicester to capitalise on its central location, and eventually providing direct access to London.

Thomas Cook ran his first railway excursions from here in 1841, which was commemorated by a statue of him outside the station.

Campbell Street Station was later replaced by London Road Station which opened in 1892. All that now remains of Campbell Street Station are two stone pillars marking the entrance to Campbell Yard on Station Street.

Read more about the famous visitors to Campbell Street Station on our website:
https://storyofleicester.info/.../campbell-street-and.../

[davieG]

 

 

 

Story of Leicester

A view of the Picture House cinema from Granby Street, circa 1970s.

The Picture House opened in December 1910, running until June 1973. It was a splendid example of 1920s luxury cinema, even with the original secondary 'gas' lighting still in use.
Most of the building is now gone but the back facade was retained and is visible from Every Street in Town Hall Square.

Do you have memories of going to this cinema? Share them in the comments below.
 

[davieG]

 

Story of Leicester

 

Granby Street in the 1920s, including the Temperance Hall built by Thomas Cook on the left.

In 1853 Thomas Cook built an impressive Temperance Hall and adjoining Temperance Hotel on Granby Street. The Temperance Hall was demolished in 1961, but the Hotel frontage (now 121 Granby Street) has survived, the upper two storeys retaining much of their original appearance.


Also learn more about Cook's temperance legacy at https://storyofleicester.info/.../cook-s-temperance-hall.../

[davieG]

Story of Leicester

Today we share a couple of photos of the Saffron Lane Sports Centre Cycling Track, when building work was near complete in 1967. The 3,100 seater velodrome was built for the 1970 World Cycling Championships, held in Leicester. The state-of-the-art cycling track had a synthetic 'En-Tout-Cas', the first of its type built in England.

Do you remember ever using this track, or watching from the stands?

#StoryofLeicester #Leicester 

 

 

Comment

Terry Jones

I seem to remember it more as a wooden cycle track and synthetic football pitch in the centre but its been a while ago.....

 

[davieG]

Story of Leicester

Auto-Magic Car Park in its heyday, 1960s. Photo from Leicestershire Records Office.

Did you know Lee Circle is one of the oldest multi-storey car parks in Europe? When it opened in 1961, providing space for 1050 cars, it was also among the first automated public car parks, using coin-operated barriers. Beneath the six parking levels, the supermarket chain Tesco opened their first store outside London. Tesco was integrated with the car park above so that staff could take customers’ purchases direct to their cars. For some years the new supermarket featured in the Guinness Book of Records as the largest store by floor area in Europe.

Do you remember shopping at this Tesco or know anyone that used to work there?

Learn more about Lee Circle’s history on our website: https://www.storyofleicester.info/.../auto-magic-car.../

 

 

I remember parking there and reporting my car stolen, which it wasn't I hadn't realised there were 2 levels winding round with different entrances but with the same numbering. Felt a right twat.

[davieG]

Story of Leicester

An old shot of the Theatre Royal in which stood on Horsefair Street where Santander is today.

It opened in 1837 and after 120 years, its final performance was on the first of June 1957. The last play presented at the Theatre was 'Trial and Error' by Kenneth Horne.

 

[Paninistickers]

1 hour ago, davieG said:

Story of Leicester

Today we share a couple of photos of the Saffron Lane Sports Centre Cycling Track, when building work was near complete in 1967. The 3,100 seater velodrome was built for the 1970 World Cycling Championships, held in Leicester. The state-of-the-art cycling track had a synthetic 'En-Tout-Cas', the first of its type built in England.

Do you remember ever using this track, or watching from the stands?

#StoryofLeicester #Leicester 

 

 

Comment

Terry Jones

I seem to remember it more as a wooden cycle track and synthetic football pitch in the centre but its been a while ago.....

 

The epitome of a white elephant. But brought us a world championship..

 

Wish councils would still spunk money on obscure, harebrained schemes though.

[davieG]

42 minutes ago, Paninistickers said:

The epitome of a white elephant. But brought us a world championship..

 

Wish councils would still spunk money on obscure, harebrained schemes though.

My son played American Football on the pitch in the middle for the Leicester Panther Youth Team, The Men's team was pretty successful not sure why it folded.

 

Needed a roof on it then they wouldn't have had to replace the beautiful wooden track, once that was gone it was no use for competitive racing.

 

Same way they messed up St Margaret's Bath with it's imperial length. All they could do was put a boom in for 25mtre races, not exactly an international draw.

[Paninistickers]

18 minutes ago, davieG said:

My son played American Football on the pitch in the middle for the Leicester Panther Youth Team, The Men's team was pretty successful not sure why it folded.

 

Needed a roof on it then they wouldn't have had to replace the beautiful wooden track, once that was gone it was no use for competitive racing.

 

Same way they messed up St Margaret's Bath with it's imperial length. All they could do was put a boom in for 25mtre races, not exactly an international draw.

Didn't Tigers' Martin Johnson also play for the Panthers  on the astro in the middle?