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    • Main contributor: James L. Tanner
    Aerial-Leicester 2017

    Leicestershire is a county in the East Midlands region of England. It shares borders with several other counties: Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Rutland, Northamptonshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, and Derbyshire.[1] There are a few different ways to define Leicestershire:[1]

    The population of Leicestershire is 722,155 according to mid-2022 population figures published by the ONS. Leicestershire's population growth rate between mid-2021 and mid-2022 was 1.3% per year. Leicestershire covers an area of 2,083 square kilometres (804 square miles) and has a population density of 347 people per square kilometre (km2), based on the latest population estimates taken in mid-2022.[2]

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    Leicestershire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractionsLeicestershire landscape, industry, agriculture, and attractions

    The countryside in Leicestershire is surprisingly diverse with six National Landscape Character Areas identified.[3]

    • Charnwood Forest is a distinctive landscape with its unique upland features standing out against the lower-lying areas around it.
    • High Leicestershire is characterized by broad ridges and hidden valleys, creating a remote and rural atmosphere with small villages and scattered farms.
    • The Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire Wolds are part of a wider landscape shaped by gently sloping Jurassic rocks, stretching from the Cotswolds in the west to Lincolnshire in the east.
    • The Leicestershire and South Derbyshire Coalfield is an open landscape with shallow valleys, low sandstone ridges, and a gently rolling plateau.
    • The Mease/Sence Lowlands form a gently undulating agricultural landscape centered around the Mease, Sence, and Anker rivers.
    • The Leicestershire Vales comprise a vast, open landscape of low-lying clay vales and a network of river valleys.

    Leicestershire's economy is diverse, with manufacturing, engineering, and logistics playing significant roles. Historically, the county was known for coal mining, textiles, and footwear production. Today, sectors like engineering, food and drink manufacturing, and advanced manufacturing are thriving. Leicester and Loughborough are major industrial centers, while the county also benefits from its strategic location within the UK's logistics network.

    While Leicestershire isn't primarily an agricultural county, it does have a significant agricultural sector, particularly in livestock farming and dairy production. The county is renowned for its high-quality beef and lamb. Dairy farming is also prevalent, with some farms producing milk for local consumption and others supplying national dairy processors. Additionally, there are arable farms cultivating crops like wheat, barley, and oilseed rape. However, the agricultural landscape is increasingly diversified, with a focus on niche markets and sustainable practices.[4]

    Leicestershire is a top tourist destination in England, offering a diverse range of activities, sights, cultures, and architecture. Leicestershire is home to the National Space Center where you can go on an immersive, interactive space odyssey where you learn about celestial objects and phenomena. Bradgate Park is a public park which is spread over 850 acres in Charnwood Forest in Leicestershire. The Great Central Railway is the only heritage railway line in the UK which has a two-track broad gauge line and where full sized steam engines can pass side by side. Trains run on steam are still operated between Leicester and Loughborough. The King Richard III Visitor Center tells the story of the search and unconfirmed discovery of Richard III, a former king of England.

    Leicestershire historyLeicestershire history

    Leicestershire has evidence of human activity dating back to prehistoric times, with archaeological finds indicating settlements during the Mesolithic and Neolithic periods. The region's fertile land and abundant resources made it an attractive area for early human habitation. Notable prehistoric sites include the hillfort at Burrough Hill and the Iron Age settlement at Breedon Hill.[5]

    The Romans arrived in the region around 47 AD, establishing a significant settlement at Ratae Corieltauvorum, now known as Leicester. Roman roads, villas, and artifacts have been discovered throughout the county, indicating a prosperous Roman period. The town developed from an existing Iron Age settlement, and the remains of timber buildings and streets have been found. A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community[6]

    After the Roman withdrawal, Anglo-Saxon tribes, primarily the Angles, settled in the region. Leicestershire became part of the powerful Mercian kingdom. Viking invasions in the 9th century left their mark, and Danish settlers integrated into the Anglo-Saxon population.[7]

    The Norman Conquest in 1066 brought significant changes to Leicestershire.The Domesday Book records the county's land ownership and population. Castles, abbeys, and churches were built during this period. The Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses, took place in Leicestershire.[8]

    During the 16th Century, the Tudor period saw the dissolution of monasteries and the rise of Protestantism. Leicestershire experienced religious and social changes, as well as economic growth. Parish Registers became mandatory on 5 September 1538 when Thomas Cromwell, Vicar General to Henry VIII, ordered clergy to keep records of baptisms, marriages, and burials.[9]

    The 17th century was a tumultuous time for England, including Leicestershire. The county was affected by the English Civil War, with battles and sieges occurring. The Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 brought stability and economic recovery.[10]

    The 18th century brought significant industrialization to Leicestershire, particularly in the textile industry. Towns like Leicester and Loughborough grew rapidly as centers of manufacturing. The county also experienced agricultural improvements and a rise in trade.[11]

    The Industrial Revolution transformed Leicestershire, with the development of railways, canals, and factories. During the 19th century, the county became a major producer of textiles, hosiery, and footwear. However, this period also brought challenges, including urban poverty and social unrest.[12]

    The 20th century saw two world wars that had a profound impact on Leicestershire.[13] The county contributed to the war effort through manufacturing and military service. Post-war, the county experienced economic decline in traditional industries. However, it diversified its economy and became a center for engineering, aerospace, and healthcare.[14]

    Leicestershire parishes and unparished areasLeicestershire parishes and unparished areas

    Leicestershire county, England, has 233 civil parishes. However, not all of the county is divided into parishes. The districts of Leicester and Oadby and Wigston are entirely unparished. Additionally, the towns of Coalville, Hinckley and Bosworth, Loughborough, Market Harborough, and Melton Mowbray are also unparished.[15]

    Leicestershire geographyLeicestershire geography

    Leicestershire is generally a lowland county, but it has some notable hills, including Fardon Hill in the Charnwood range, which is the highest point in the county at 902 ft. The Charnwood hills are located northwest of Leicester and are made up of Precambrian gritstone, some of the oldest bedrock in Britain.[16] Charnwood Forest is an ancient upland area in the west of the county is known for its Precambrian rocks, offering stunning scenery and popular hiking trails.[17] The River Soar flows through the county, creating a fertile valley that has been shaped by human activity for centuries.

    Researching family history in LeicestershireResearching family history in Leicestershire

    The Leicestershire County Council has a web page about Researching your family history with helpful links. The Record Office for Leicestershire, Leicester and Rutland has a website for Family History and Records Online. The Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society was formed in 1974 and has a Research Center in Leicester. The Leicester City Council also has a web page dedicated to family history.[18]

    Ethnicities in LeicestershireEthnicities in Leicestershire

    The demographic distribution of the Leicestershire population is as follows:[2]

    According to the latest 2021 census, the population in Leicestershire is predominantly white (87.5%), with non-white minorities representing the remaining 12.5% of the population, Asian people were the largest minority group in Leicestershire accounting for 8.2% of the population. 7,913 or 1% of the Leicestershire population are black according to the latest 2021 census. In England more broadly the portion of the population that is white is 81%. 10% are Asian and 4% are Black.

    Population by race in Leicestershire, 2021 census

    • White - 623,429 people or 87.5%
    • Asian - 58,066 people or 8.2%
    • Mixed - 15,543 people or 2.2%
    • Black - 7,913 people or 1.1%
    • Other - 7,415 people or 1.0%

    Surnames in LeicestershireSurnames in Leicestershire

    The demographic distribution of Leicestershire surnames is as follows:[19]

    Surname Incidence Frequency
    Patel 14,768 1:69
    Smith 14,530 1:70
    Taylor 6,019 1:170
    Jones 5,708 1:179
    Brown 5,229 1:196
    Mistry 4,759 1:215
    Singh 4,408 1:232
    Wright 4,225 1:242
    Clarke 3,951 1:259
    Johnson 3,944 1:259

    Explore more about English CountiesExplore more about English Counties

    MyHeritage has 351 collections that contain millions of English records that cover a huge variety of genealogical historical events that can help you find your ancestors. The MyHeritage Knowledge Base contains helpful information about genealogical research. The Legacy Family Tree Webinars website contains more than 2000 valuable genealogical webinars including over 50 webinars about English research.

    See alsoSee also

    References

    1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Leicestershire | United Kingdom, Map, History, & Facts | Britannica
    2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 Leicestershire Demographics | Age, Ethnicity, Religion, Wellbeing
    3. ↑ Leicestershire Landscapes
    4. ↑ Farming since 1790 – Leicestershire History
    5. ↑ Burrough Hill Iron Age Hillfort Self-Guided Walk – ULAS News
    6. ↑ An Archaeological Resource Assessment Roman Leicestershire and Rutland
    7. ↑ Our Migration Story: The Making of Britain
    8. ↑ Our Migration Story: The Making of Britain
    9. ↑ Parish Registers in England and Wales – An Easy Guide - Family Tree Resources
    10. ↑ The 17th Century: A Brief Social History — The Wrong Side of the Blanket
    11. ↑ A Working Town - Story of Leicester
    12. ↑ The History of Leicester, England, UK
    13. ↑ Leicester During the First World War - Story of Leicester
    14. ↑ An Introduction to 20th-Century England (1901–2000)
    15. ↑ Leicestershire Registration District
    16. ↑ High Leicestershire - Description
    17. ↑ Beacon Hill, Leicestershire
    18. ↑ Soar and Wreake Valley Living Landscape | Leicestershire and Rutland Wildlife Trust
    19. ↑ Most Common Surnames in Leicestershire, With Meanings
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