15/10/2025
Some interesting history of the famous Leicester Clock tower. I knew about the statues on the clock tower, but even I never knew who or what these men did in/for Leicester from the 1200s onwards.
For my Japanese and international friends, Leicester Clock tower is the main classic meeting place for people in Leicester.
It's well known that when arranging to meet with friends, most Leicester people will often say "meet at the Clock Tower" instead of stressing about finding a suitable meeting place. "Meet at the Clock Tower" has since became a popular Leicester phrase 😅
The Leicester Clock Tower was the first ever traffic island in the UK. Often using horses and carriages carrying hay and stock to the original Haymarket whilst also ensuring safety for pedestrians in the 1800s
#レスター #レスターの歴史
Meet me at The Clock Tower!
“The Haymarket Memorial Clock Tower” in Leicester was built as a solution to traffic problems but also as a memorial to four of Leicester´s benefactors. These wonderful portraits were carved by the stonemason Samuel Barfield.
The photo shows, clockwise from top left:
Alderman Gabriel Newton set up a trust for the education, clothing and apprenticing of boys. The former Alderman Newton School is now the King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Simon De Montfort was Earl of Leicester in 1239 and is remembered locally for giving townsfolk grazing rights on common land and for lifting certain taxes.
Sir Thomas White established a trust fund in 1542 known as the “Town Hundred” which helped many local young men start up in business.
William Wigston was a wealthy wool merchant. In 1513 he founded Wigston´s Hospital for the poor. Money from his estate was used to found a Free Grammar School (still standing on Highcross Street).
Take a look up next time you're passing by!
