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Leicester is a city in the East Midlands region of England. It's known for its rich history, including its association with King Richard III and its Roman and medieval heritage. Leicester is also culturally diverse and has a vibrant arts and music scene. The population of Leicester, was estimated to be around 400,000 people.
Simon de Montfort was a 13th-century nobleman who played a significant role in English history. He was born in France around 1208, into a noble family with extensive lands and influence.
Leicester does not have a cathedral in the traditional sense of being the seat of a bishop. Instead, Leicester has a parish church known as Leicester Cathedral, officially named the Cathedral Church of St Martin. Despite its name, Leicester Cathedral does not have cathedral status but serves as a parish church. However, it is an important religious and cultural landmark in the city, known for its historical significance and architectural beauty.
The M1 motorway, one of the UK's principal motorways, runs just to the east of Leicester. The M1 provides crucial north-south connectivity, linking Leicester to major cities such as London in the south and Leeds and Sheffield in the north. Additionally, the M69 motorway, a spur of the M1, connects Leicester to Coventry and the M6 motorway.
Leicester railway station is located in the city center and serves as a major transportation hub for both regional and national rail services. The station offers frequent train services operated by various train companies, including East Midlands Railway, CrossCountry, and West Midlands Trains.
The station provides direct train connections to major cities such as London, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield, and Leeds, as well as many other destinations across the Midlands and the rest of the UK. Leicester railway station plays a crucial role in facilitating commuter travel, business, and leisure trips for residents and visitors to the city.
The closest major airport to Leicester is East Midlands Airport; it is Located approximately 20 miles northwest of Leicester. It offers domestic and international flights to various destinations.
Leicester has significant Roman links. During the Roman occupation of Britain, Leicester, then known as Ratae Corieltauvorum, was an important settlement and administrative center for the Corieltauvi tribe. The Romans established a town at Leicester, complete with public buildings, baths, and a forum.
Archaeological excavations in Leicester have uncovered evidence of Roman walls, streets, and buildings, providing insights into the city's Roman past. One of the most significant finds is the Jewry Wall, a section of Roman masonry that once formed part of a public building, possibly a bathhouse.
Additionally, Leicester's Roman heritage is commemorated through the Jewry Wall Museum, which houses artifacts and displays related to the city's Roman history. The discovery of Roman artifacts and structures in Leicester underscores the city's importance during Roman times and its role as a center of trade, administration, and culture in Roman Britain.
De Montfort became involved in English politics through his marriage to Eleanor of England, sister of King Henry III. He was granted various lands and titles in England, including the earldom of Leicester.
His most notable contribution to English history came during the reign of Henry III. Simon de Montfort led a rebellion against the king, primarily due to grievances over Henry's mismanagement of the government and finances. This rebellion culminated in the Second Barons' War (1264–1267).
Simon de Montfort's forces defeated Henry III's army at the Battle of Lewes in 1264. Following this victory, he established a revolutionary government, known as the "Provisions of Oxford," which aimed to limit the king's power and establish a more representative form of government.
De Montfort also called the first directly elected Parliament in English history, which included not only nobles but also representatives from towns and counties. This Parliament is often considered a precursor to the modern British Parliament.
However, Simon de Montfort's rule was short-lived. He was killed in battle at the Battle of Evesham in 1265, where he was defeated by forces loyal to Henry III's son, Prince Edward (the future Edward I). Despite his death, Simon de Montfort's legacy endured, as his efforts laid the groundwork for the evolution of parliamentary democracy in England.
Some of the historical public houses of Leicester are listed here.