East Midlands
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| East Midlands | |
|---|---|
| Name | East Midlands |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Country | England |
| Largest city | Leicester |
| Counties | Derbyshire Leicestershire Lincolnshire Northamptonshire Nottinghamshire Rutland |
| Area km2 | 15627 |
| Population estimate | 4,880,000 |
| Population estimate year | 2021 |
East Midlands. The East Midlands is one of nine official regions of England, comprising the central and eastern counties of the English Midlands. It is bordered by Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, Eastern England, and South East England. The region is known for its diverse landscapes, from the uplands of the Peak District to the agricultural plains of The Fens, and its historically significant cities include Leicester, Nottingham, and Derby.
Geography
The region's physical geography is defined by several major river systems, including the River Trent, the River Soar, and the River Welland, which drain into the North Sea. The western part is dominated by the southern Pennines and the Peak District National Park, which includes landmarks like Kinder Scout and the Manifold Valley. To the east, the landscape flattens into the fertile agricultural lands of Lincolnshire and the Vale of Belvoir, with the Lincolnshire Wolds providing a range of low hills. Significant natural features also include Rutland Water, one of the largest artificial lakes in Europe, and the limestone gorge of Creswell Crags, which spans the border with Derbyshire.
History
Historically, the area was part of the Danelaw following invasions by the Vikings, with Leicester and Nottingham becoming important Danish boroughs. During the Medieval period, the region saw the construction of major castles like Lincoln Castle and Bolsover Castle, and the foundation of powerful monasteries such as Newstead Abbey. The Industrial Revolution transformed the region, with Derby becoming a centre for the railway industry under Richard Arkwright and Matthew Boulton, while Nottingham and Leicester grew through framework knitting and the boot and shoe industry. The Battle of Bosworth Field, which ended the Wars of the Roses, was fought near Market Bosworth.
Economy
The economy has evolved from its historical bases in coal mining, which was prominent in the Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire coalfields, and textile manufacturing. Today, it features significant advanced manufacturing and engineering sectors, with major employers like Rolls-Royce in Derby, Toyota Motor Manufacturing UK in Burnaston, and the East Midlands Airport logistics hub near Castle Donington. Other important industries include food processing, with major plants for Samworth Brothers and Moy Park, and the creative industries centred around Nottingham's Broadmarsh area. The region is also a major centre for UK corporate finance and professional services, hosting firms like Experian.
Demographics
The population is concentrated in several major urban areas, with the largest cities being Leicester, one of the most ethnically diverse in the UK with large British Indian and British Pakistani communities, Nottingham, and Derby. Other significant settlements include the Northamptonshire towns of Northampton and Kettering, and the Lincolnshire centres of Lincoln and Boston. The University cities of Loughborough and Nottingham attract a large student population, while more rural counties like Rutland and parts of Lincolnshire have lower population densities and an older demographic profile.
Culture
The region has a rich cultural heritage, being the birthplace of notable figures like D. H. Lawrence from Eastwood, and the home of the Royal Crown Derby porcelain company. It is associated with the legend of Robin Hood, centred on Sherwood Forest and Nottingham Castle. Annual events include the Nottingham Goose Fair, the Leicester Caribbean Carnival, and the Belvoir Castle flower show. The region boasts several premier football clubs, including Nottingham Forest, Leicester City, and Derby County, and is home to the National Space Centre in Leicester and the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.
Transport
Major road links include the M1 motorway, which runs north-south, and the A1 which forms part of the eastern boundary. The region is a key rail freight corridor, with the Midland Main Line providing high-speed passenger services to London St Pancras via East Midlands Railway. East Midlands Airport, located between Derby and Nottingham, is a major hub for package holiday and cargo operators like DHL Aviation and TUI Airways. Significant ports include the Port of Boston and the inland port of Nottingham, while local transport is served by networks like Nottingham Express Transit and Centrebus.