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Name
The county was first recorded in 1087 when it was known as
Laegreceastrescir. Leicestershire is an English corruption of the Latin
meaning 'A fort on the river Leire.' However, the 12th century writer,
William of Malmesbury, referred to the Leire as the Legre.
Topography
Leicestershire is bordered by Nottinghamshire to the north, Lincolnshire
and Rutland to the east, Northamptonshire to the south, Warwickshire in
the south and west, and Derbyshire in the north-west. The county is
fairly flat but, unlike The Fens, is not lowland country. The county
does rise in the west towards the craggy and untamed Charnwood Forest
where Bardon Hill, the highest point in the county, rises to 912ft.
Leicestershire's long and historic association with hunting, is the
reason the county is dotted with small coppices. These were
strategically planted as fox coverts.
History
The region was part of the Kingdom of Mercia in the 7th and 8th
centuries but was invaded by the Danes in the mid-9th century who
followed the course of the river Trent. By 877AD the county was included
in the Danelaw. The Normans successfully captured Leicester in 1068 and
King William appointed Hugh de Crentemesnil as Governor. Simon de
Montfort, known as 'Simon the Righteous' was Earl of Leicester in 1239.
The inheritance later fell to Blanche, wife of John O'Gaunt, who became
Earl of Lancaster, Derby, Lincoln and Leicester. The county became a
centre for Lollardism under John Wyclif, the translator of the Bible.
After his death, followers of Lollardism were persecuted, and Wyclif's
bones were exhumed, burnt, and the ashes thrown into a stream at
Lutterworth. The town of Leicester fought for the Yorkists in the War of
the Roses, under Sir William Hastings. The famous Battle of Bosworth
took place on August 22nd 1485, between Richard III and the usurper
Henry of Richmond. During the battle King Richard was told that Henry
was nearby with only a slender guard; taking with him his personal
household of Knights and friends he valiantly charged and succeeded in
slaying Sir William Brandon and Sir John Cheyne and came close to
engaging Henry in personal combat. However, Richard was eventually
surrounded by the troops of the treacherous Sir William Stanley and
killed. Henry Tudor was proclaimed King. King Richard's body was then
shamefully exposed to public view for two days and interred without any
monument in the house of Franciscan friars in Leicester. His bones were
eventually thrown into the River Soar. Historically, the death of this,
the last Plantagenet king, marked the end of the Middles Ages, and
established Henry VII as the first Tudor monarch.
Landmarks
Charwood Forest, Vale of Belvoir and Bosworth Battlefield.
Monuments
Leicester Guildhall - a medieval building consisting of a hall, mayor's
parlour, library and cells. Foxton Staircase - ten canal locks in two
groups of five which allow barges to climb 75ft in 300 yards. Ashby
Castle - the ruins of which date from the 12th to 15th centuries and the
walls of the tower being more than 8ft thick. Belvoir Castle -
originally a fortress rebuilt in the 17th century and later (around
1800) converted into a mock medieval castle. Kirby Muxloe Castle - a
fortified house built in the 15th century by Lord Hastings who was
beheaded before its completion. Stanford Hall - the home of the Cave
family since 1430 although the present mansion dates from 1697.
Famous People born in Leicestershire
John Cleveland, the poet, was born in Loughborough in 1613. Thomas
Macauley, historian and poet, was born at Rothley Temple, north of
Leicester in 1800. Thomas Hooker was born in Markfield in 1586. Educated
at Market Bosworth Grammar School, the Non-conformist preacher went on
to become the reputed father of American Democracy when he sailed for
Massachusetts in 1633 before settling in Connecticut in 1636 and
founding the town of Hartford.
Famous People who lived in Leicestershire
Cardinal Wolsey must be mentioned because, although he didn't live here,
he is buried in Leicester Abbey. He fell ill on his way to London and
imprisonment. His famous dying words were: 'If I had served my God as
well as I had served my King, He would not have deserted me in my grey
hairs.' Dr.Samuel Johnson's first job was as an usher at the grammar
school in Market Bosworth.
Folklore
Richard III stayed a night at the White Boar Inn just before the Battle
of Bosworth, and he hid £300 in the false bottom of the bed. As he was
unable to return to claim it himself, it stayed there undiscovered until
the reign of Elizabeth I. The then landlord discovered the money, and he
became rich. After his death, his widow was murdered on account of her
wealth.
Customs
Whetstone Cakes are traditionally made in the county. These biscuits are
flavoured with caraway seeds and rose water. Melton Mowbray is famous
for its pork pies.
Diary
The County Show is held on May Day. In August, Belvoir Castle hosts a
Medieval Jousting tournament. Loughborough stages a National Folk Music
Festival in April. |
