Hidden Histories of Leicester

09/06/2025

Look at this fantastic new publication launching soon, brought to you by the Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society 😃👍🏻

📖 Leicestershire History is a new 52-page full colour magazine about the many events, objects, people and places from the city and county’s fascinating past.

Issue 1 is out this July. See comments below for more details!

06/06/2025

This Sunday, between shepherding civil war soldiers I’ll be giving my 2nd talk on the de Beaumont Earls of Leicester 😃 Come along and discover more about The Anarchy!! Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society Leicester GuildhallVisit Leicester Archaeological Services, University of Leicester (ULAS) Leicester Festivals & Events

05/06/2025

THE END IS NIGH!…for Richard I, the Anglo-Norman realm and the Casino Royale: Rise and Fall of the de Beaumont Earls of Leicester series. But in this concluding episode, will our final Robert de Beaumont survive this latest game of royal roulette amidst war, treachery, tragedy and disease? Find out below in Part 8 - Severance! Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society Story of LeicesterArchaeological Services, University of Leicester (ULAS)

As twilight descends upon the Anglo-Norman realm, the fourth Earl of Leicester must serve two Kings of England - one revered by most and the other reviled by...

02/06/2025

Are you ready for the penultimate episode of Casino Royale??? Of course you are!!! 😃 Then let me introduce you to the brave, the chivalrous, the Crusading Robert de Beaumont, 4th Earl of Leicester! But can he prove his worth to the mighty Richard the Lionheart??? Enjoy 😉 https://youtu.be/LQCPcoQx1jM?si=TUH-6NNCIbYOBgLZ Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society Story of Leicester Archaeological Services, University of Leicester (ULAS)

The fourth and final de Beaumont Earl of Leicester must prove his worth to King Richard the Lionheart through the bloody trials of the 3rd Crusade.

01/06/2025

To mark the 380th anniversary of the 3rd and final day of the 1645 Siege of Leicester, here’s part 3 of Hidden Histories: An UnCivil War 👍🏻

As the repercussions of the sacking of Leicester play out, the 1st English Civil War comes to a dramatic and bloody conclusion, whilst the people of Leiceste...

31/05/2025

Looking for something interesting to do tomorrow? Why not join us at Leicester Guildhall for one (or both!) of these awesome events exploring the Story of Leicester and its medieval and Civil War past? Leicester Museums & Galleries Visit LeicesterLeicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society

31/05/2025

To commemorate the 380th anniversary of the 2nd day of the 1645 Siege of Leicester, here’s part 2 of my An UnCivil War episode:

With the King Charles I's Royalist troops surrounding the town and outnumbering its defenders by more than 5:1, Leicester witnesses the bloodiest 48 hours in...

30/05/2025

To mark the 1st day of the 380th anniversary of the 1645 Siege of Leicester, here’s part one of my UnCivil War episode on the topic: https://youtu.be/oB4PWQTDj9Y?si=lZEef-8nZSt0iPqu Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical SocietyStory of LeicesterArchaeologyUK

An exploration of the first English Civil War through its impacts on the people of Leicester and Leicestershire. In this first part of the episode, we examin...

29/05/2025

With the town of Leicester in ruins, Earl Robert Blanchemains now gambles all in the rebellion against King Henry II. But with England and Normandy once again tearing itself apart, it will take a supreme act to restore peace to the realm. Hope you enjoy Casino Royale - Part 6: Restitution 😃 https://youtu.be/fynhqtf49wc?si=Z_tKf008brYJ1yHL Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society Visit Leicester Story of Leicester

With the town of Leicester in ruins, Earl Robert Blanchemains now gambles all in the rebellion against Henry II, but with England and Normandy once again tea...

28/05/2025

Want to do something truly historic over the next 4 weeks? How about you help us commemorate the 380th anniversary of the Civil War Siege of Leicester! See below for details of free guided walks and rides, the Trial of Francis Hacker, Dr Su Barton’s new book about the Winstanleys of Braunstone, 17th Century living history and re-enactments of the Battle for the Newarke and a special service at Leicester Cathedral. The amazing living history and re-enactment have been generously funded by Leicestershire Archaeological & Historical Society and Leicester City Council’s Ward Community Funds from Castle, Fosse and Saffron Wards. We look forward to seeing you there 😃 Leicester Guildhall Visit Leicester Leicester Museums & Galleries Leicester Festivals & Events Leicester Cathedral

27/05/2025

Check out the latest edition of Ben Jackson’s Secret Leicestershire where he and I discuss the 1645 Siege of Leicester. 😃

The 1645 Siege of Leicester was a grim chapter in the history of the city.