Historical Landmarks

" The second largest piece of surviving Roman civil building in this country. "

Jewry Wall is one of Leicester's most famous landmarks and a remarkably rare example of Roman walling which has survived for nearly 2000 years. It is the second largest piece of surviving Roman civil building in this country and the only fragment of Roman Leicester still standing above ground. It was previously part of a Roman bath built around 145-160 AD, its two arched doorways would have been situated between the bathhouse’s gymnasium and cold room. A museum built on the site is dedicated to telling the story of prehistoric Leicester using Leicestershire's archaeological collections.

Find out more about Jewry Wall

" The Guildhall has one of the best preserved timber framed halls in the country. "

The Guildhall is one of the historical emblems of ancient Leicester, built around 1380, it has the one of the best preserved timber framed halls in the country, dating back six hundred years. 

The building was built in the Middle Ages as a meeting place for the Guild Copur Christi, (a religious association linked to St Martins and one of the riches parishes in medieval Leicester). Over the years the Guildhall was used for several purposes;

• By the end of the 15th century the Town Hall had become inadequate space for meetings and The Guildhall became the new designated meeting place.

• In 1632 the Town Library was moved into the East Wing of the Guildhall from St Martin’s Church.
• The Guildhall was used as the headquarters for Leicester’s police in 1836
• The Great Hall within the building was often used as a courtroom
• The Guildhall was also used regularly for theatrical performances, banquets, civic events and housed a school in 1876

Find out more about The Guildhall