Aerial View of Lincoln and Lincoln Castle

The beautiful and historic city of Lincoln is an ideal location for a city break, where visitors can enjoy a range of attractions such as the Castle, the Cathedral and The Collection which encompasses the Usher Gallery and City and County Museum and is home to some fascinating exhibits from Lincolnshire’s past.  Situated in the county of Lincolnshire and part of the East Midlands, as well as being famous for its Christmas Market, Lincoln is also the home of the RAF Red Arrows.  Guided walks of the city and Cathedral are on offer, in addition to the opportunity to learn more about Lincoln’s history and landmarks with a trip on the Tour Lincoln sightseeing bus.  An amazing array of buildings of historic significance and beauty can be found in this popular city location.

Historic Lincoln
The early Iron Age settlers which inhabited the area of Lincoln then referred to it as Lindon.  With the arrival of the Romans, the area became known as Lindum and with the Roman’s significantly developing the settlement, they were also responsible for the building of a fortress overlooking what today is the Brayford Pool area.

When the Vikings appeared in Lincoln, they introduced a mint which was of marked importance by the 10th century, Lincoln formed one the five boroughs of the East Midlands, and it continued to enjoy success as a prosperous centre for trade.

1068 would see the order given for the building of Lincoln Castle by William the Conqueror.  The castle was built on the site previously used by the Romans, and its design included two mottes, one of only 2 examples in the country to include this design element.

Work began on the building of the magnificent Lincoln Cathedral in 1088 when the foundations were laid for a mammoth construction project, which would be ongoing throughout the Medieval Period.

A battle would took place in Lincoln in 1141 during the Anarchy War, between the armies of King Stephen, Grandson of William the Conqueror and Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I, with Robert, 1st Earl of Gloucester(Matilda’s half-brother) leading the army which was eventually victorious.

Lincoln would continue to prosper as its cloth and wool industry grew, with a key focus on exporting goods to Belgium, France and the Netherlands as early as 1150.

The Industrial Revolution would see renowned companies such as William Foster & Co, Ruston and Hornsby and Clayton’s operating from Lincoln, with engineering and the manufacturing of heavy machinery as well as locomotives and agriculture machinery key industries for the city.  It would be William Foster & Co who would design and build the first tanks used during World War I in Lincoln.

Popular Culture
Lincoln is a historic and cultural city, and has also been a focus in popular culture.

Films & TV
Scaling Britain (2010) – this BBC2 series featuring Dr Jonathan Foyle known for his work on Time Team, chose 15 iconic buildings throughout Britain to reflect on 1000 years of British architecture.  Lincoln Cathedral was one of those chosen to be scaled, offering a unique insight into this amazing building.

The Young Victoria (2009) – starring Emily Blunt, this film depicts the early years of Queen Victoria’s reign and her relationship with Prince Albert.  Written by Julian Fellowes, the film was shot on location throughout the UK, including scenes filmed at Lincoln Cathedral.

The Da Vinci Code (2006) – Directed by Ron Howard, with an all-star cast including Tom Hanks, Audrey Tautou and Jean Reno, this mystery thriller also featured Lincoln Cathedral as a filming location.

Books
The Tarnished Chalice – Susanne Gregory, this is the 12th book from Gregory’s Matthew Bartholomew series of historic crime novels.  Set in Lincoln, the tale follows Bartholomew and his brother who arrive at the Cathedral to accept an honour only to find a murder has already taken place, with a Lincoln relic at the heart of the mystery.

The Pillars of the Earth – Ken Follett, Follett is believed to have taken inspiration from the building of the Cathedral in Lincoln for his book The Pillars of the Earth, where his character Philip, a monk strives to construct the greatest Gothic Cathedral known to man.

Social Media
Additional information on Lincoln can be found on its official website Visit Lincoln as well as its Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest accounts.

Famous Faces
Jim Broadbent – is a renowned star of stage and screen and was born in Lincoln on the 24th May 1949.  Recognised for his roles in such productions as Moulin Rouge!, Bridget Jones’ Diary and more recently for playing Horace Slughorn in the Harry Potter film series, Broadbent is a versatile and Oscar winning actor.

George Francis Carline – was born in Lincoln on 11 July 1855, and an artist whose work included landscapes and portraits in both oil and watercolours.  Carline was a Member of the Royal Society of British Artists and his work was exhibited widely including the Royal Academy and the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolours.

James Fenton – a former Oxford Professor of Poetry, Fenton was born in Lincoln on 25 April 1949.  As a recognised literary critic and journalist, as well as an award winning poet, Fenton work has received many awards including the Geoffrey Faber Memorial Prize and the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry.

Landmarks  

Lincoln Cathedral

Lincoln Cathedral
The breath-taking Lincoln Cathedral dominates the city skyline and is one of the finest examples of its kinds, and was recognised as the tallest building in the world for over 200 years from 1311 – 1549.  With amazing gothic styled architecture, tours are available to learn more about this amazing place.  The Cathedral owns a copy of the Magna Carta which is kept at the Castle, one of only four that have survived, and a replica of this can be viewed when visiting the Cathedral, just one of its many treasures.

Lincoln Castle
The vast Castle in Lincoln dates back to 1068 on a site previously occupied by the Romans.  Within the Castle Walls tour guides are on hand to direct you to the many attractions including the prison. Normally the home of the Charter of the Forest and the Magna Carta, the latter is currently on tour with extensive restoration underway at the Castle in preparation of the celebrations for the 800th Anniversary of the Magna Carta in 2015.  The Castle is remaining open during this period so that visitors can witness the undertaking involved which includes work on the Castle Walls, to enable a complete Wall Walk, restoration of the Lucy Tower, Observatory Tower, and Bath House as well as the introduction of a Cinema in the round and the creation of an underground vault to house the Charter and the Magna Carta.

Leigh-Pemberton House
This distinctive black and white half-timbered house is located at Castle Hill, between the Castle and Cathedral and dates back to the 16th Century.  Today the Grade II listed building houses the Visitor Information Centre on the ground floor with the upper floors offering accommodation for those looking to stay in the city.

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Leicester’s Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower

The city of Leicester is located in the East Midlands of England, on the River Soar and close to the National Forest.  With a wide range of attractions, Leicester is a historic place to visit, steeped in Roman history, with numerous museums including the New Walk Museum and Jewry Wall, as well as the recent and fascinating discovery of Richard III’s final resting place.  The Cultural Quarter provides for the opportunity to explore galleries and exhibitions, with the amazing Curve Theatre a sight to behold. Leicester is also a prime shopping location with High Cross and the Haymarket Shopping Centre, as well as catering for those looking for something different with The Lanes, St Martin’s Square and Church Gate home to many specialist shops and hidden retail treasures.  With the Grand Central Railway offering a step back in time to the magnificent age of steam, there are also many architectural delights to enjoy in this culturally diverse city.

Historic Leicester
Ratae Corieltauvorum was the name given to the area of Leicester by the Romans, and evidence of their time in the city remains today with the Roman baths and pavements still in existence, recalling a time when the Celtic Corieltauvi tribe were also active in what became a Roman Military outpost.  Following the successful invasion by the Danes, the area developed further and it became a fortified town.  Referred to in the Domesday Book as Ledecestre, this translates to the camp of dwellers on the Legro (river), Leicester would be granted City Status in around 670, however it lost the Status in 11th century, with it finally restored in 1919.

With the industrial revolution came a time of great change for Leicester, which up until this time had been a market town, and the area would see rapid growth as it became a hub for manufacturing.  Companies involved in shoemaking, engineering and textiles operated in the area, benefitting from the rail and canal network which had been built, providing vital links to Birmingham and London.  Companies such as the Cooperative Boot and Shoe Company, Taylor & Hubbard and Gimson and Company were just a number of those who had extensive plants within the area.

Walkers
Now owned by PepsiCo, Walkers is a name associated with Leicester and dates back to the 1880’s when Henry Walker moved to Leicester, initially taking over a Butchers shop.  Following the issues surrounding rationing after the War, the then Managing Director R E Gerrard shifted the focus from meat to crisps, at a time when the snacks were becoming more popular.  Walkers today manufacture crisps in Leicester from one of the biggest production sites in the world, and currently local lad Gary Lineker is the face of their advertising campaigns.

Richard III
Leicester has recently been confirmed as the site of the final resting place of Richard III, who was King of England from 1483-1485.  A major excavation took place in 2012 at the Greyfriars site, with confirmation received in February this year from the University of Leicester, that the skeleton found on the site of the church was indeed that of the King.  Richard III is recognised as being the last of our King’s to die in battle, having lost his life during the Battle of Bosworth Field. The Richard III Visitor’s Centre is due to open in Spring 2014, where the life of the King and his connections with Leicester can be explored further.

Popular Culture
Leicester is a historic and cultural city, and has also been a focus in popular culture.

Films & TV
Jadoo (2013), written and directed by Amit Gupta, Jadoo is a comedy which follows the lives of 2 brothers who are both chefs.  During a heated argument the family recipe book is ripped in half and this results in the opening of separate restaurants in direct competition with each other.  Starring Tom Mison, Amara Karan, Sophiya Haque and Adeel Akhtar, the film was shot in various locations in Leicester including the Golden Mile, Belgrave Road and Cossington Street Recreation Park.

Zombie Undead (2010) – Shot throughout Leicester, this horror movie was written by Kris Tearse and directed by Rhys Davies, with Sarah played by Ruth King, trying desperately to find safe shelter and save the life of her heavily bleeding father, but things take a turn for the worse when she finds herself in a strange and dark building, and her senses tell her she is not alone.

Books
Local author Lynda Page has set many of her bestselling books in Leicester, with Page often opting to set her novels in the 1950’s and 60’s.  With over 20 novels to her name, titles such as A Perfect Christmas and A Mother’s Sin are amongst the celebrated page-turning saga style collection by Page, both of which are based in Leicester.

Sue Townsend, another author to hail from Leicester featured the city in the highly popular Adrian Mole Diaries, with the series following Mole from his Secret Diary aged 13½ to the Prostate Years.

The Right to an Answer by Anthony Burgess also features Leicester, with character JW Denham returning to Leicester from Tokyo to attend to his dying father.  With Mr Raj and Ted Arden also featuring in this tale, corruption and greed are a key focus in this novel.

Social Media
Additional information on Leicester can be found on its official website Visit Leicester as well as its Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts.

Famous Faces
Graham Chapman – the famous actor, writer and comedian and of course member of Monty Python, was born in Leicester on 8th January 1941.  Having worked as a writer for the BBC together with John Cleese in the 1960’s, he was best known for his leading roles in The Life of Brian and The Holy Grail.  Sadly, Chapman passed away aged just 48.

Gary Lineker, OBE – born in Leicester on 30 November 1960, the former English Striker began his football career at Leicester, before playing for Everton, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur.  Lineker also earned 80 caps for England, and following his retirement from the game, now enjoys a career in TV presenting.

Biddy Baxter – Former Editor of the BBC children’s programme Blue Peter, Biddy Baxter was born in Leicester in 1933.  It was Baxter who was responsible for the famous Blue Peter Badge which she devised in 1963, along with instigating the annual appeals which proved so popular with the audience, and remain a key part of the programme today.

Landmarks

National Space Centre

National Space Centre
This distinctive building which features a 42 metre tall tower, essential to house the massive upright rocket under which you can enjoy refreshments, brings space to a new dimension for the thousands of visitors it attracts every year.  Located on Exploration Drive, the Centre includes the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium, a 360 degree space theatre, as well as an array of interactive exhibits allowing you to explore space and the planets, as well as meteorites, satellites and rockets.  A fun and educational attraction for all the family to enjoy.

Leicester Guildhall
Situated on Guildhall Lane, entry is free to this Grade I listed building, the majority of which dates back to the 15th Century.  Originally used as the Town Hall, it was also the home of the first police force in Leicester and today includes a museum which is currently housing an exhibition on Richard III. Famous visitors to the Guildhall are said to include Oliver Cromwell and William Shakespeare.

Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower
Located in the centre of Leicester, the Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower provides for a popular meeting place and is the point where 5 of the major city streets meet.  Built in 1868 and the design of Joseph Goddard, the ornate tower features statues of the 4 Sons of Leicester – Thomas White – Founder of St John’s College, Oxford and civic benefactor supporting local business people with interest free loans. Gabriel Newton – Mayor of Leicester who established a charity school in Leicester, leaving all his money to benefit the poor through education. Simon de Montfort the 6th Earl of Leicester and William Wyggeston (Wigston) – Mayor of the Corporation of Leicester and English wool merchant.
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Derby Guildhall

Situated on the River Derwent, Derby is located in the East Midlands of the country, and is surrounded by the beautiful Derbyshire countryside. The historic city has a wealth of places to explore, including a number of museums and attractions such as the Derby Gaol, offering something a little bit different.  St Peter’s and the Cathedral Quarter are a must for shoppers, with a maze of streets offering independent and specialist shops, as well as high street names in an historic setting.

Historic Derby
Derby was the site of a Roman settlement, with Chester Green being the location of a Roman fort.  With evidence of Viking and Anglo Saxon activity also in the area, it is believed the name Derby may be derived from this time with Deoraby meaning Village of the Deer.

Derby has proved to be an important location during times of conflict, at the time of the Civil War, Sir John Gell, Governor of Derby led his troops to battle defending Derbyshire against the Royalists, as well as assisting in the defence of the surrounding areas of Nottinghamshire, Cheshire and Staffordshire.

Derby also played host to Charles Edward Stuart, Bonnie Prince Charlie, in 1745, during his quest to regain control of the British throne.  The Prince stayed at Exeter House, where he conducted his council of war.  Whilst Exeter House no longer exists following its demolition, the Derby Museum and Art Gallery have built a replica of this historic room used be the prince, with original panelling from Exeter House featuring in this exhibit.

Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution, Derby would be recognised for its significant contribution in a number of areas.  John Lombe together with George Sorocold would build Britain’s first silk mill which was powered by water.  After visiting counterparts in Italy, Lombe was able to replicate their silk processing machinery and techniques back in Derby, and the factory would later be recognised as one of the first in the world which was fully mechanised.

Derby would continue to present revolutionary ideas and technology, with the success of ventures such as Arkwright, Need and Strutts cotton spinning mills, resulting in a large number of mills being built in the county.  With the development of the railways, Derby would also become the headquarters of Midland Railways and play a hugely significant role within the rail industry.  Today Derby, is home to the likes of Rolls-Royce and has continued to remain a leading commercial and industrial location.

Popular Culture
Derby is an historic and cultural city, and as such has been a focus in popular culture.

Films & TV
Meanwhile – (2003), starring David Coggins and Darren and Rupert Hill as Gary, the pair meet up after four years apart whilst attending the funeral of an old friend, and the film follows the eventful happenings after their paths have crossed again.  This film was written and directed by Jason Millward and shot in Derby.

Another Year – (2010), Written and Directed by Mike Leigh and starring Jim Broadbent and Ruth Sheen, Another Year was shot in various locations in the UK including Derby.

Jobseekers, released in September 2013, is a TV comedy series and focusses on three main characters Ben, Gaz and Josh and their struggle to find work.

Peak Practice, the TV drama which starred Simon Shepherd and Esther Coles was filmed in Derby, and was the creation of Lucy Gannon, a local producer and playwright.

Books
Reaper, the crime thriller series by Stephen Dunne, features DI Damen Brook, and is set in Derby. The series includes Reaper, The Disciple, and Deity, with The Unquiet Grave the latest edition to the thrilling series.

Social Media
Additional information on Derby can be found on its official website, Visit Derby as well as Facebook, and Twitter accounts.

Famous Faces
Joseph Wright – born in Derby on 3 September 1734, Joseph Wright was a famous English painter and is known for his expressive work depicting the industrial revolution.  As well as portraits and landscapes, Wright’s work also included science as a focus, and his work can be seen in the Derby Museum and Art Gallery.

Ellen MacArthur – the record breaking solo yachtswoman was born in Derby on 8 July 1976.  In February 2005 MacArthur made international headlines after breaking the world record for the fastest time recorded by a solo yachtsperson for sailing around the world.

Sir Charles Fox – born on the 11th March 1810, Fox was a civil engineer and worked extensively on railways and bridges, he also invented the railway switch, known as railway points today.  He was employed by Robert Stephenson whilst working in London, and went on to work on many London Station constructions as well as Crystal Palace.

Landmarks

Derby Cathedral

Derby Cathedral
The beautiful Cathedral of All Saints dates back to 1350, with rebuilding taking place in 1725 following the designs of James Gibbs.  With amazing neoclassical and gothic styling the cathedral is located in Irongate, it is the Seat of the Bishop of Derby and provides visitors with stunning views of Derby from the 212ft Cathedral Tower, the 2nd highest of its kind in England.

Derby Museum & Art Gallery
Situated on The Strand, admission is free to the Derby Museum & Art Gallery, where in addition to the works of Joseph Wright, the museum is home to a number of collections including fascinating exhibits such as the Egyptian Mummies and the Hanson Logboat, a 3,400 year old Bronze Age exhibit.  A recent addition is an exhibition with wood, bone, glass and stone themes.

Derby Gaol
Viewed as one of the most haunted places in the country, the Derby Gaol can be found in Friargate.  Visitors can experience the depths of the goal which dates back to 1756 and learn more about its history from the Museum located there.  With ghost walks as well as overnight vigils on offer, the Derby Gaol offers a unique experience that’s not for the faint hearted.

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