Leicestershire Events

LEICESTERSHIRE has had an eventful history. As with other counties, for the most part the story is of the centuries-long progression of the agricultural years, the growth of towns, of industry and of population. But, from time to time, something happens that, if there had been television, would have put Leicestershire on the news and in the headlines of the next day's papers. A book about events must be selective ... ranging from those that shaped the county's history and even that of the nation, to those that only feature in the local sporting calendar, like the annual Bottle-Kicking at Hallaton. Fox-Hunting is the county's most widely-known sport and gave rise to many events, not least the first meeting of King Edward VIII with Mrs Simpson, for he was an active hunter! For those who now live in the county, whether their parents or grandparents did, there is an enormous fascination in knowing what happened next door, down the street, or in the next hamlet, in the past. There are some very recent events, such as the great discovery of gold and silver coins in 2002, some a little earlier, like the callous murder by Earl Ferrers of his steward in 1760, the first Cook's tour in 1814, or the production of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera at Wyggeston Boys school. But throughout this very entertaining and splendidly illustrated book the author succeeds in casting new light on the fascinating history of Leicestershire.