Leicester

Leicester Cathedral

On 12th September I went of Leicester for two nights. I was there for a conference on the 13th so I only had the day I arrived to do any sightseeing. My first point of call was the cathedral. Leicester Cathedral isn't the biggest cathedral I've visited, but it is one of the most beautiful. It was recently given an upgrade fit for a King, because King Richard III is now buried there in front of the high altar. There is another altar which is placed more central and the pews have gone and been replaced by chairs. The way this has been done means there are no pillars getting in the way and everyone can see everything. It reminds me of the Catholic cathedral in Liverpool.

Font

The cathedral was built on the site of the Norman church of St Martin's 900 years ago.

Richard III has a tomb made of stone. I was told where this came from, but unfortunately that little nugget has flown! However, I can tell you that the stone has been cut into a cross (but also represents his sword) as deeply as it can be without breaking, representing the deep wounds the King received in battle.

Cloth which covered the coffin viewed from both sides. Top depicts people from his life. Bottom depicts people connected to his discovery and burial.

The windows are really beautiful, and the new windows to one side are modern. One is painted glass, the other laser cut! You can't tell the difference. They are called the Redemption Windows, inspired by the life of Richard III. The painted parts of the church are inspired by the Arts & Craft Movement.

Leicester was an important trading town for the Romans, and it is still a vibrant city with two universities, a river and interesting architecture.

From the cathedral I walked over the path to The Guildhall built in 1390. It is a beautiful building inside and out, and it maybe that William Shakespeare acted here. I loved the old beams and the main hall. Today the hall is used as a performance space and a venue for weddings.

Guidhall

The cells

I thought while I was here I should visit the King Richard III Visitor Centre. While the connections (family tree and battles) went over my head, I was interested in how archaeologist discovered it was him they found. I have always been fascinated by Carbon 14 dating since my interest in early humans, stone age etc. Here there were explanations of how these things work and a mock-up of Richard III's bones and what was discovered. A facial reconstruction was done and we now have a better idea of what he might have looked like. If you are devotee of Richard III this is the place for you. The ticket entry lasts for a year, so you can go as many times as you like in that time.

Richard III

Visitor Centre

Facial reconstruction

What they think the King looked like

Grave pit

Later I walked through the campus of the De Montfort University where I would be attending the conference the following day, and came across the River Soar. I enjoyed a walk along part of it. You can walk for a way in both direction where there are more things to see, especially gardens. It would have been nice to do longer walks, but time was against me. Maybe I will revisit another time as there are other things I probably missed.

Here some photos I took around Leicester, including by the river and some rather nice architecture.