Leicester

Leicester
Name	Leicester
Population	368,600
Population ref	(2021)
Established date	AD c. 47
Unitary authority	Leicester City Council
Region	East Midlands
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Country	England
Lieutenancy england	Leicestershire
Constituency westminster	Leicester South, Leicester West, Leicester East
Os grid reference	SK584044
Coordinates	52°38′N 1°08′W
Post town	LEICESTER
Postcode area	LE
Dial code	0116
Static image caption	Leicester Cathedral and the adjacent Guildhall.

Leicester. A city and unitary authority area in the East Midlands of England, it is the county town of Leicestershire and one of the oldest cities in the United Kingdom. With a history dating to the Iron Age and later a major settlement of the Roman Empire, known as *Ratae Corieltauvorum*, it has evolved into a culturally diverse and economically significant urban centre. Governed by the Leicester City Council, it is renowned for its rich heritage, vibrant multicultural communities, and as the home of the 2016 Premier League champions, Leicester City F.C..

History

The area was originally an Iron Age settlement of the Corieltauvi tribe before being conquered by the Roman Empire around AD 47, establishing the fortified town of *Ratae Corieltauvorum*, key remains of which include the Jewry Wall and public baths. Following the End of Roman rule in Britain, it became part of the Kingdom of Mercia and was later captured by the Vikings as one of the Five Boroughs of the Danelaw. The Norman conquest of England saw the construction of Leicester Castle and the city was granted a charter by King Henry II; it played a notable role during the Wars of the Roses and was the site where the last Plantagenet king, Richard III, was buried in Greyfriars after his death in 1485, with his remains rediscovered in 2012 and reinterred in Leicester Cathedral in 2015. The Industrial Revolution transformed the city into a major centre for hosiery, footwear, and engineering, with figures like Thomas Cook founding his global travel business here in 1841.

Geography

Located in the East Midlands region on the River Soar, it lies near the eastern edge of the National Forest and is part of the Leicestershire county. The city's topography is generally low-lying, with the river valley shaping its development, and it is situated close to the Charnwood Forest area to the north-west. Key geographical features include Abbey Park, which contains the ruins of the Augustinian Abbey, and the Grand Union Canal which passes through the city, linking it to London and Birmingham.

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, it has a population of approximately 368,600, making it the most populous city in the East Midlands. It is one of the most ethnically diverse cities in the United Kingdom, with significant communities of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and African and Caribbean heritage, a diversity reflected in areas like the Golden Mile. This multicultural makeup is celebrated through major events such as the annual Diwali celebrations, which are among the largest outside of India.

Economy

Historically dominated by manufacturing, particularly textiles and footwear, its economy has diversified significantly into sectors such as logistics, distribution, retail, engineering, and financial services. The city is a major retail hub with the Highcross and Fosse Park shopping centres, and it hosts the headquarters of major companies like Next and the British Geological Survey. The University of Leicester and De Montfort University are also key drivers of the knowledge economy, fostering innovation and research, particularly in space science and genetics.

Culture and landmarks

The city boasts a rich cultural scene, anchored by institutions like the Curve theatre, the Phoenix Arts Centre, and the New Walk Museum and Art Gallery. Key historical landmarks include the Leicester Cathedral, the Medieval Guildhall, the Jewry Wall Museum, and the King Richard III Visitor Centre. It is famous for its sporting heritage, being home to Leicester City F.C., Leicester Tigers rugby union club, and Leicestershire County Cricket Club. Annual cultural highlights include the Leicester Comedy Festival, the Caribbean Carnival, and the spectacular Diwali lights display on Belgrave Road.

Transport

Major road links are provided by the M1 motorway and the A6 road, while the city's main railway station, Leicester railway station, offers frequent services on the Midland Main Line to London St Pancras, Sheffield, and Nottingham. Local public transport is managed by Arriva Midlands and First Midland Red, with the city also operating an extensive network of cycle routes. East Midlands Airport is located approximately 20 miles to the north-west, providing national and international air connections.

Education

The city is a major centre for higher education, with the University of Leicester being a member of the 1994 Group and renowned for its research in archaeology, space science, and medicine, notably the discovery of DNA fingerprinting by Sir Alec Jeffreys. De Montfort University is known for its strengths in art and design, business, and computing. The Loughborough University campus is also nearby. Secondary education includes a range of state and independent schools, with notable institutions like the Leicester Grammar School and Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College.

Category:Leicester Category:Unitary authority districts of England Category:Populated places established in the 1st century