Historic Leicestershire
Explore hidden histories, historic photos, and things you never knew about Leicestershire from the collections and archives of Historic England.
Discover Leicestershire's listed buildings and places
Introducing some of Leicestershire's most significant historic sites, curated from the National Heritage List for England.
Battle of Bosworth (Field) 1485
Dadlington & Sutton Cheney
Bosworth Battlefield, the site of the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, is Registered for the following principal reasons: Technological significance:...
Belvoir Castle
Belvoir
Extensive landscape park and various gardens, mostly early C19 but incorporating late C17 elements, largely laid out to a plan of 1780 by Capablility...
Former Carlton Hayes Hospital Chapel
Narborough
Former Carlton Hayes Hospital chapel built 1904-1907 by S P Pick.
Scraptoft Hall
Scraptoft
Country house dating to 1723 but with an early C17 core, converted into apartments in the early C21. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Former Western Park Open Air School
Leicester
Former open air school built between 1928 and 1930 to designs by J. O. Thompson. Read the official list entry to find out more.
The Old Vicarage and Hastings House
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Vicarage constructed in 1860 to the designs of James Piers St Aubyn, subdivided into two dwellings in the early C21.
Wreake Valley Academy
Syston
Former Wreake Valley Community College (now academy) built 1967-1971 to the designs of Gollins, Melvin, Ward and Partners for Leicestershire Education...
Porte Cochere, Pedestrian Loggia and Octagonal Turret For…
Leicester
Railway station porte cochere including pedestrian loggia and octagonal turret. Built in 1892 for the Midland Railway Company.
Abbey Park
Leicester
Abbey Park, Leicester, opened in 1882, is designated at Grade II for the following principal reasons: Structures and planting: the park retains...
The Guildhall
Leicester
A medieval Guildhall, built for the Corpus Christi Guild around 1390, enlarged around 1450, and further extended by the addition of ranges to the east...
Hallaton motte and bailey castle
Hallaton
Motte and bailey castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans.
Deserted medieval village of Hamilton
Barkby Thorpe
The village, comprising a small group of houses, gardens, yards, streets, paddocks, often with a green, a manor and a church, and with a community...
The former Boot and Shoe Operatives Union and National Un…
Leicester
Boot and Shoe Operatives Union and National Union Headquarters built 1902 to the designs of Harrison & Hattrell of Leicester.
Moated site and deserted medieval village at Old Ingarsby
Hungarton
The village, comprising a small group of houses, gardens, yards, streets, paddocks, often with a green, a manor and a church, and with a community...
The Mount motte at Melton Mowbray
Melton Mowbray
Motte castles are medieval fortifications introduced into Britain by the Normans.
Police Box, Newtown Linford
Newtown Linford
A Leicestershire Police telephone box of around 1931, moved to its present location in 1952.
36-40 Market Street
Leicester
Shops designed by Isaac Barradale in 1880 and 1883. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Wyggeston House
Leicester
A multi-phase former dwelling, originally a timber-framed merchant’s house of around 1490, extensively remodelled around 1760 with a new front range,...
Greyfriars, Leicester
Leicester
Greyfriars, Leicester, a C13 Franciscan friary the church of which later became the burial place of King Richard III.
Mobil forecourt canopies
Birstall
Petrol filling station canopies with striking overlapping parasols designed by Eliot Noyes in the 1960s, constructed in 1979.
Ambion deserted medieval village
Dadlington & Sutton Cheney
The village, comprising a small group of houses, gardens, yards, streets, paddocks, often with a green, a manor and a church, and with a community...
Snibston Colliery
Coalville
Snibston Colliery first developed in1831-1832 by George and Robert Stephenson working in partnership Joseph Sanders and Sir Joshua Warmsley.
Eastfield Primary School
Thurmaston
Primary School built 1966-1968 to the designs of Ahrends, Burton and Koralek.
Church of St Peter and St Paul
Great Bowden
Parish church of C13-C15, with C18 porches, and low-key restoration by Talbot Brown and Fisher 1886-87. Read the official list entry to find out more.
St Mary and St Lazarus Hospital, moated site and two fish…
Burton and Dalby
A medieval hospital is a group of buildings housing a religious or secular remains, including those of major buildings, survive.
17 Friar Lane
Leicester
Town house built in 1750 with rear C19 extensions. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Coventry House and Claret Lodge
Melton Mowbray
House with an C18 core remodelled in the mid-C19 as a hunting lodge.
Former Lace Factory
Stathern
The former lace factory in Stathern, constructed in around 1881, is listed for the following principal reasons: as an interesting and rare survival of...
Richmond Primary School
Hinckley
Primary school built in 1968-1970 to the designs of T Locke, E D Smith and J N Pitts of Leicestershire County Council Architect's Department.
Church of St Thomas
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Former parish church with the character of an estate church, C14-C16 with tower of 1845. Now redundant. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Market Harborough Ambulance Station
Market Harborough
Former ambulance station built in 1924 and designed in a Queen Anne Revival style by H G Coales.
Saffron Hill Cemetery
Leicester
An early C20 cemetery laid out to designs by Thomas Mawson and Edward Prentice Mawson, with buildings designed by E P Mawson.
Former Donisthorpe and Company Limited factory building o…
Leicester
A factory building thought to have been erected for textile manufacturing, with origins in the late C18.
Parish Church of St Helen
Ashby-de-la-Zouch
Parish church with C14 core enlarged from 1474, and restored and further enlarged 1878-80 by J.P. St Aubyn.
Former Church of All Saints
Leicester
Parish church of C12-C15, with chancel of 1829 and major restoration 1874-76 by Goddard and Paget. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Memorial Clock Tower
Coalville
Memorial clock tower by Henry Collins, 1925. Read the official list entry to find out more.
St John Chambers
Leicester
Former Parish church of 1854-55 by G.G. Scott, converted to apartments late 1980s. Read the official list entry to find out more.
Historic Leicestershire through time
The National Heritage List for England contains hundreds of details about buildings and places, including the periods in which they were built and the uses they've had over the years. Explore how your local area has changed through time.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Prehistoric Before AD 43
Prehistory covers a million years of human occupation before the Roman invasion and the introduction of writing. Primarily hunter-gatherers of several human species including Neanderthals, the peoples moved across Europe, hunting animals, exchanging ideas and developing complex culture and belief systems including burial rites and astronomical understanding, as at Stonehenge for example.
Roman AD 43 to AD 410
Britain was invaded by four legions of the Roman army in AD 43, who relatively rapidly conquered England from landing points in Kent. Parts of Wales and Scotland soon followed.
Roman culture brought urbanism, monumental buildings, wide-ranging religious beliefs, writing, and strong social hierarchy. The Roman administrative system was withdrawn in AD 410.
Early medieval AD 410 to AD 1066
This period, often associated in England with Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, saw a reduction in urban living from the Roman period and increased migration from northern Europe.
Traces of this period can be found in cemeteries, particularly in artefacts and in some of the very early churches, as this period also saw the growth of Christianity in Britain.
Medieval AD 1066 to AD 1540
This period, sometimes known as the Middle Ages, began with the Norman invasion in AD 1066. It saw a significant rise in military and defensive buildings such as castles and earthworks, as well as religious houses dominating a largely agricultural landscape.
The monarchy and Church dominated the period, which also saw the break with the Roman Church and the English reformation.
Post medieval AD 1540 to AD 1901
The Post-Medieval period brought seismic changes to life in England, with religious reformation leading to the democratization of worship and the destruction of hundreds of religious houses.
In parallel, there was a huge expansion of scientific study and enlightenment that permanantly altered the nation's social structure and landscape. Industrialization and mass production lead to wider global trade, emigration, and immigration.
20th century AD 1901 to AD 2000
The 20th century saw an incredible expansion of England's transport networks, with suburban growth shadowing rapid infrastructural expansion. The establishment of state schools, hospitals, and modern technical colleges, with new architectural styles, radically changed the appearance of towns and cities.
Two catastrophic world wars and the 1918 pandemic also brought unprecedented change, altering England's built environment and social structures forever.
Aerial photos of Leicestershire
Historic aerial photography shows the growth and changes in England's urban and rural landscapes, revealing secrets that are impossible to see from the ground.
Scraptoft
Scraptoft Hall, Scraptoft, 1947
Scraptoft
Scraptoft Hall, Scraptoft, 1947
Leicester
Abbey Park, Leicester, 1937
Leicester
Abbey Park and The Oval, Leicester, 1953
Leicester
Patons and Baldwins Ltd West Bridge Worsted Spinning Mills and the Castle Gardens, Leicester, 1935
Leicester
Patons & Baldwins West Bridge Worsted Spinning Mills and the Castle Gardens, Leicester, 1935
Leicester
The Co-operative Wholesale Society Boot and Shoe Manufactury (Wheatsheaf Works) at Knighton Fields, Leicester, 1927
Knighton Fields
The Co-operative Wholesale Society Wheatsheaf Boot and Shoe Works, Knighton Fields, 1948
Belvoir
Belvoir Castle and the surrounding area, Belvoir, 1947
Belvoir
Belvoir Castle, Belvoir, 1948
Historic England Archive images of Leicestershire
The Historic England Archive holds and cares for over 15 million images, from the 1850s to the present day. Discover stunning images of Leicestershire's past.
Charles George Harper Collection
City Of Leicester
Date created: 1892 - 1933
Looking along Castle View towards the Church of St Mary de Castro, showing a man walking out from beneath the Turret Gateway
Eric de Mare
Scraptoft, Harborough, Leicestershire
Date created: 1957 - 1980
Exterior view of Leicester Teacher Training College showing the entrance to the assembly hall block.
John Gay Collection: Modern Architects
Loughborough, Charnwood, Leicestershire
Date created: 1960 - 1969
Looking across the pond in front of the Chemistry Building at Loughborough University of Technology and showing a man on the walkway leading to the...
John Gay Collection: Rural Life
City Of Leicester
Date created: 1959
The timber framed gatehouse to St Mary de Castro Church in Leicester
John Gay Collection: Counties
Lewin Bridge, Charnwood, Leicestershire
Date created: 1950 - 1954
A hanging gate pub sign with the lettering "This gate hangs well and hinders none, refresh and pay and travel on," at The Gate Hangs Well.
John Laing Collection
Charnwood, Leicestershire
Date created: 13 Mar 1963
A view from the west showing separating tanks at Wanlip Sewage Works, with aeration units to the right
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
City Of Leicester
Date created: 1896
A view looking north-east across the front of Leicester London Road station
Alfred Newton and Sons
Packington, North West Leicestershire, Leicestershire
Date created: 1896 - 1920
EXTERIOR VIEW FROM THE SOUTH WEST
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Victoria Park, City Of Leicester, City Of Leicester
Date created: 1900 - 1920
GENERAL EXTERIOR VIEW
Margaret Tomlinson Collection
City Of Leicester
Date created: 1957
Exterior view of St Martin's Cathedral in Leicester, seen from New Street
London, Midland and Scottish Railway Company
City Of Leicester
Date created: 13 Jun 1892
A view looking towards the south side of Turret Gateway, with a number of figures standing on the narrow lane
Nigel Temple Collection of Postcards of Parks and Gardens
Wellsborough, Hinckley And Bosworth, Leicestershire
Date created: 1900 - 1950
GENERAL VIEW SHOWING GARDEN PAVILION
Stories about heritage in Leicestershire
Historic England publishes news, blogs, videos and podcasts celebrating England's heritage. Discover the stories we have about Leicestershire.
The Timeless Charm of English Market Towns and Halls
Mentions Leicestershire
Discover the history of English market towns and halls, including farmers' markets, Christmas markets, market squares and corn exchanges.
5 Things to Know About Coronations
Mentions Leicestershire, Battle of Bosworth (Field) 1485
Discover the history and heritage behind the ancient English coronation ceremony.
Richard III: The Lost King
Mentions Leicestershire, St Martin's Cathedral, Greyfriars, Leicester
Learn more about England’s last Yorkist King.
How the Vikings Came to England
Mentions Leicestershire
The Vikings have gone from Victorian villains to 21st-century heroes. But what of the real Vikings and their impact on England?
Women Architects Who Helped Shape England
Mentions Leicestershire, 22, Avenue Road
Women have always influenced domestic design but it wasn’t until 1898 that the first female architect was admitted to the Royal Institute of British...
12 Lost English Football Grounds
Mentions Leicestershire
Take a trip back in time to grounds once home to clubs of the English football leagues.
5 Chilling Tales From Churches in England
Mentions Leicestershire, Church of St Mary
Uncover spooky stories of dark magic and local legends at five of England’s most atmospheric churches.
Margaret of Anjou: Player in a Real Life Game of Thrones
Mentions Leicestershire, Battle of Bosworth (Field) 1485
Margaret of Anjou, who Shakespeare later called ‘The She-Wolf of France’, was one of the major players in the late 15th century Wars of the Roses.
Extent of Heritage and Cultural Property Crime in England Revealed
Mentions Church of St Denys, Church of St Helen, Leicestershire
New research funded by Historic England identifies the range of active and emerging threats to the historic environment.
Heritage at Risk in the Midlands Revealed
Mentions The Old Rectory Museum, Leicestershire
41 sites have been saved and 32 sites added to the Heritage at Risk Register 2023 in the Midlands.
Historic England Highlights Fascinating Heritage Sites Listed in 2022
Mentions Kibworth Cemetery lych gate and iron gate, Leicestershire
As 2022 draws to a close, Historic England highlights gems added to the National Heritage List for England (NHLE) over the last 12 months.
Historic England Highlights Captivating Heritage Sites Listed in 2021
Mentions Market Harborough Ambulance Station, The Old Fire Station, Police Box, Newtown Linford
Highlights from over 400 historic places which have been added to or amended on the National Heritage List for England in 2021.
Extraordinary Roman Mosaic and Villa Discovered Beneath Farmer’s Field in Rutland, East Midlands
Mentions Leicestershire
A Roman villa complex containing a rare mosaic has been discovered in a farmer’s field in Rutland, and was today protected as a scheduled monument.
Heritage and Craft Workers Across England Given a Helping Hand
Mentions Leicestershire
142 historic sites across England are receiving grants worth £35 million through the government’s Culture Recovery Fund.
Champion Heritage Schools Scheme Launches
Mentions Leicestershire
Historic England Launches new school–led scheme to champion local heritage teaching.
Explore your social history through photos
Over 10,000 images from the Historic England Archive have been specially selected and re-captioned for teachers, students, and anyone who wants to learn more about heritage in their local area.
Workshop, George Street, Enderby, Leicestershire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This building was built in the mid 19th century. It was a workshop for framework knitting.
Workshop, George Street, Enderby, Leicestershire
Windmill, Main Street, Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This type of windmill is known as a smock mill. This one was built in the early 1800s.
Windmill, Main Street, Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire
Wheatsheaf Works, Leicester, Leicestershire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Built for the Co-operative Wholesale Society in 1891 and extended circa 1900, the building is of red brick and is constructed in neo-Jacobean style.
Wheatsheaf Works, Leicester, Leicestershire
Wheatsheaf Works, Knighton Fields Road, Leicester
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
This building was the Co-op Boot and Shoe Factory. It was built in 1891 for the Co-operative Wholesale Society.
Wheatsheaf Works, Knighton Fields Road, Leicester
War Memorial north of Polebrook House, Desford, Leicestershire
Period: 1920s (1920 - 1929)
This war memorial was built in c1920.
War Memorial north of Polebrook House, Desford, Leicestershire
Victoria Coffee House, Granby Street, Leicester, Leicestershire
Period: Victorian (1837 - 1901)
Elevated view showing the tower and domes
Victoria Coffee House, Granby Street, Leicester, Leicestershire
Vaughan College, University of Leicester, Talbot Road, Leicester
Period: 1960s (1960 - 1969)
This building was designed as a college of education and a museum.
Vaughan College, University of Leicester, Talbot Road, Leicester
Ullesthorpe Mill, Mill Road, Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire
Period: Georgian (1714 - 1836)
This windmill was built in 1800. It was paid for by subscription, meaning local people clubbed together to pay for it.
Ullesthorpe Mill, Mill Road, Ullesthorpe, Leicestershire
Visit grant-aided places near you
These places and buildings have been helped by Historic England's financial grants. Find local heritage in your neighbourhood that you never knew existed! Please note that opening times may vary.
John Taylor Bell Foundry, The Bell Foundry
Taylor's is a purpose-built Victorian foundry that has seen continuous production of bells since 1859.
Squires Monument, NW of Church of St James
Chest tomb surmounted by elaborate monument. Erected by the executors of William Squire, d.1781.
Discover more Heritage nearby
Have you got another local place, or somewhere you're planning to visit? Take a look at these other places nearby
Leicester
Local Authority District
Oadby and Wigston
Local Authority District
Charnwood
Local Authority District