This thread is to discuss how to improve Leicester's historically significant buildings and areas in order for them to be appreciated alongside the regeneration of the city.
Leicester's best kept secret is the Castle Great Hall, though it may not look like a 'castle' it has had a chequered history like many of England's finest castles.
It is currently not open to the public and would be a great tourist attraction if it were (many who don't even know it exists!).
Here's a reconstruction of what the castle area and Leicester may have looked like during the Norman period:
Source: Leicester City Council website
From west bank around 1795 (the original hall looked like this):
Source: Stevenson, J. Leicester Through the Ages (1995), p16 (original from Nichols, Vol I, part II, 1815)
Interior of the hall early 17th century (you can see it being used as a court, though it is now split up. The two Norman windows are still there):
Source: Stevenson, J. Leicester Through the Ages (1995), p15 (original from Thomson, J, Leicester Castle, 1859)
The whole area oozes with history. Looking at the buildings from the outside is only part of the experience. Not enough is being done to promote this are, which has just as much, if not more history to it than York or Chester.
How come so much happened here and yet nobody knows about it? Even most of the local people don't realise just how important Leicester was, it's such a shame! We need to change this by embracing what remains of the old town and castle, and educate people by publishing historical facts all over the place. The museums should get more attention, and more should be done to let people know they're there for a reason and well worth a visit.
Leicester Old Town area, which is much more than just the Castle area - is the only thing that is unique about the city. It should be a priority to reconnect the Castle precinct with the rest of the Old Town and the central core. The means by which this can happen, is a change in use for Greyfriars to retail and leisure...
I think the people who are doing the plans for St Augustine's and teh Old Town should consider using the 'Historic Quarter' name, as it would fit in with the other proposed quarters.
All the historic elements need to be attached to each other to truely call this the 'historic' or 'old' part of town. It's a major tourist destination in the making. At the moment you go in to say Castle Park and go out again, like another throughfare and there is nothing to tell people what is inside the buildings, especially the ones that are not open to the public.
The Magazine should be open to the public once the area around it is redeveloped. Again does anyone realise how huge it is inside! I'm sure the issues of disables access, etc. can be resolved.
The 'History Quarter' doesn't sound right.. Historic or Historical sounds alot better, but now I really am being petty
I remember when the Magazine was a museum, I went in once or twice with my dad but unfortunately have no pictures because I was only about 8 years old!
I've been given permission to photograph the inside of the Magazine and Castle Great Hall. The keys are kept at Newarke Houses Museum, so I'm going to take up the offer one weekend soon...
I had permission to take photos of the former Trinity Hospital chapel as part of my uni work. I might post some, though they were taken by a disposable camera and are not very good.
It'll be good to see the photos you will take Lears.
Buildings like these are so rare in English cities, let alone Leicester; therefore making them accessable to the public should be a priority.
Come to think of it on the other hand, if DMU hadn't brought it then it may have been in disrepair and on the English Heritage 'At Risk' register,as the castle great hall is or was?
Spot on.. as long as it is done in such a way that the buildings aren't damaged by increased use then they should without a doubt be opened to the public. I hardly think Leicesters tourist industry is amazing.. but it absolutely could be.
Anything to help attract more people. I've also often wondered that the Jewry Wall site would be great for outdoor plays, with wooden seating for viewers and the stage in front of a floodlight Jewry Wall. Being a Scheduled Ancient Monument, I don't think that would ever happen though.
I took some photos of the Guildhall and Leicester Cathedral at the weekend. The Guidlhall and Cathedral don't need improving, but the area around them is shamefully under-used. We have discussed the opportuntities that the Greyfriar's area presents in other threads...
We have some great historic buildings here in Leicester!
The grammar school and bus depot will shortly be vacant so there is opportunity in that area.
Lets pray we don't end up with another faceless block of student flats.
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