There can be few more interesting and exciting cities to choose to live in than Leicester, and you only have to consider some of its history and claims to fame to see that this is true. Take a look at our top ten facts about our great city, and then get in touch if renting or buying property in Leicester is likely to be a feature of your future.

1. The city of Leicester is amongst the oldest in England, and its history goes back at least 2,000 years. There is evidence of an Iron Age settlement on the River Soar that is thought to have been started in the first or second centuries BC.

2. Leicester was named as a city in the Domesday Book, but in the 1200s it lost its status because of power tussles between the aristocracy and the church. It did not gain legal city status again until 1919.

3. Cardinal Thomas Wolsey died in Leicester on November 29, 1530, after stopping in what is now the city during his journey to the Tower of London after he was arrested on suspicion of treason. His final resting place was Leicester Abbey, which is now Abbey Park.

4. Henry VII’s great-granddaughter Lady Jane Grey, who was the uncrowned Queen Regnant of England for just nine days during June 1553, was born around 1536 at Bradgate Park, which is near Leicester.

5. Leicester can boast the largest economy of anywhere in the East Midlands.

6. Leicester is the home of Walker’s crisps. Pork butcher Henry Walker moved to Leicester during the 1880s. The crisp business was bought by America’s Standard Brands in 1971 and was then sold to Frito-Lay. Walker’s is still Britain’s biggest grocery brand, and its Beaumont Leys plant is the world’s biggest crisp factory.

7. Leicester’s King Richard III Visitor Centre was named as one of the world’s hottest attractions by Lonely Planet in 2015 and marks the place where the king’s remains lay buried for over 500 years.

8. Leicester plays host to the biggest Diwali celebrations to take place outside of India. As many as 35,000 people turn out to witness the lights being switched on in Belgrave Road, and more attend the main celebrations, which feature live entertainment and a firework display.

9. The Space Centre, which is two miles from the city centre, is Britain’s biggest space-dedicated visitor attraction and welcomes around 250,000 visitors every year.

10. Leicester is home to Europe’s biggest fresh food market. The city centre market is open every day except Sunday.

Are you thinking about moving to Leicester? Why not call Keywest today 01162 544 555 and speak with one of our expert property advisors, let them help you find your dream home.