Leicester is charging towards the future, but it also takes its history very seriously, which is why the city council is continuing with works to restore some of the area’s most historic streets.

The next phase of the £3.7 million project will start in the new year. Improvement works in Millstone Lane will start on January 9 and in Wycliffe Street on January 16.

As part of the works, the footpaths in Wycliffe Street are to be rebuilt using porphyry stone, and Millstone Lane will be upgraded using concrete blocks and asphalt. The pavements will be made wider, and there will be trees planted in order to offer pedestrians a more attractive route through this historic area of Leicester.

The latest phase is expected to cost about £1.1 million, and it is thought that it will take in the region of six months to complete. The works form part of a broader project to improve a total of five streets within the conservation area of Greyfriars.

This extends improvement works which have already been completed recently around Hotel Street and in Applegate and Peacock Lane. Work on the last two streets – New Street and Friar Lane – is predicted to start next summer.

The History of Greyfriars

Greyfriars gets its name from a Franciscan friary which existed in the area between 1250 and 1538. More recently, it has become famous as the final resting place of King Richard II, who was quickly buried at the friary’s church after he died at the Battle of Bosworth.

The site of his grave was discovered during an archaeological dig which started in 2012, and the site has been incorporated into the Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery museum.

The king was re-buried at Leicester Cathedral on March 26 last year. The event was attended by a host of high-profile guests, including Princess Sophie of Wessex, the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester.

The reburial proved a controversial matter, as the High Court was asked to give permission for a judicial review by people who wanted Richard III to be buried in York. Permission for such a review was granted in August 2013, but it was announced in May 2014 that the Court would not be ‘interfering’ in the matter.

To find out more about some of Leicester’s historic areas and how Keywest can help you build your future in the city, get in touch with a member of the team today, call 0116 2 544 555.