County in England
| Coordinates: | 52.69, -1.13 |
|---|---|
| OS grid ref: | SK 58 10 |
Leicestershire is a landlocked county in England, sitting in the heart of the East Midlands. It mixes gentle rolling farmland with pockets of older rock and woodland such as Charnwood Forest and the high point at Beacon Hill, and is threaded by waterways including the River Soar and a network of canals.
The county has a long history from Roman and medieval industry to famous moments like the Battle of Bosworth Field near Market Bosworth, and later traditions of framework knitting and hosiery. Its cultural life centres on Leicester, known for a multicultural population, lively festivals including large Diwali celebrations, the National Space Centre and the discovery and reburial of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral; attractive green spaces such as Bradgate Park add to its character.
Economically the county mixes manufacturing, food production and a strong logistics sector with hubs like Magna Park and East Midlands Airport, while Melton Mowbray and local dairies help produce speciality foods such as Stilton and the famous pork pie. Sport and education are prominent too, with high-profile clubs in Leicester and a world-class sports reputation at Loughborough University, giving the county a lively social and economic mix.
CV13, DE12, DE74, LE6, LE7, LE8, LE9, LE10, LE11, LE12, LE13, LE14, LE16, LE17, LE18, LE19, LE65, LE67