Leicester

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Industrial city and administrative centre of Leicester City unitary authority in central England, on the River Soar, 45 km/28 mi northeast of Birmingham; population (2001) 330,600. Major industries include engineering, food processing, electronics, chemicals, and clothing manufacture.

History
The first settlement here grew up around the Roman fort of Ratae Corieltavorum, built on the Fosse Way in AD 43. Large public buildings were erected and rich mosaic pavements were built during this time, some of which have been unearthed and preserved. After the Roman withdrawal, the settlement became known as Legerceastre by the Saxons, and it was the seat of the East Mercian bishopric until 874, when the bishopric was transferred to Dorchester-on-Thames after the Danish invasion of the Midlands. By the time of the Domesday survey in 1086, Leicester had 322 houses, 6 churches, and a population of about 2,000. In the 12th century a castle was built, and Henry II besieged and partially destroyed the town. In the 13th century the castle was the base of Simon de Montfort, 1st Earl of Leicester, who forced Henry III to establish the first English Parliament in 1265. During the English Civil War, Leicester supported the Parliamentarians and was captured by the Royalist Prince Rupert, but after the Battle of Naseby the town was retaken by Oliver Cromwell. Leicester was granted city status in 1919, and since World War II it has grown to be the tenth-largest city in the country. There are also thriving ethnic minority communities accounting for about 30% of the population, which has created a rich cultural diversity within the city.

The Star of David is a centuries-old symbol of Judaism. Blue and white are traditional Jewish colours. Effective date: 21 November 1948. >>