City of Leicester and its Environs Quiz

Answer: Stamford

Daniel was born in Leicester on 13 March 1770. He ran the Bridewell, a form of small jail, from 1791 until it merged with the City prison in 1804. He died on 21 June 1809. It is said that the day he died was so hot, that his body exploded before it could be removed from the room where he died.
To read more, follow the link.
http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/3550/18072

Answer: 1919

City status is not, and never has been, a right which can be claimed by a town fulfilling certain conditions. The use of specific criteria could lead to a town claiming city status as of right, which in turn might devalue the honour. All applications are considered on their individual merits.

Although it was referred to in the Domesday Book as a 'civitas' - or city - it lost that status during the 11th century, when power struggles between the Church and the aristocracy led to Leicester's civic demise.

For the next 800 years, Leicester - one of the most important places in Britain in terms of wealth, trade and religion - was known as a borough or town.

Answer: William Leveric

Simon DeMontfort was granted the title in 1230, John of Gaunt in 1361 and Dudley, Elizabeth I's favourite, was granted the Earldom in 1564.
William Leveric was Leicester's first Mayor in 1209.

Answer: Cycling

Saffron Lane is home to the velodrome, which in the past has staged the World Cycling Championships. Football is watched at the Walkers Stadium, cricket is at Grace Road and the rugby ground is Welford Road. Saffron Lane is also the home of the athletics stadium.

Answer: 12th century

The Abbey was founded in 1132 by Robert le Bosu, Earl of Leicester. Remnants of the Abbey can still be seen within the grounds of Abbey Park, along with a memorial to Cardinal Wolsey who died at the Abbey in 1530, whilst on his way to London to answer a charge of treason.

Answer: HOB Bitter

HOB is brewed by another Leicester brewery, Hoskins and Oldfield.

Answer: Horatio Nelson

Joseph Merrick, better known as Elephant Man, was born in the city. Thomas Cook started his, now world wide, travel company from Leicester, and Lady Jane, the nine days Queen, lived at Bradgate, which is just north of the modern city.

Answer: True

Following an accident on a level crossing in May 1833, George Stephenson visited a local musical instrument maker and gave directions for what turned into the first steam powered warning device to be used on trains.

Answer: The Melton pie uses uncured pork

Melton Mowbray pork pies are a hand raised pie, made with 100% uncured pork and baked without any form of support, except the pastry. Ye Olde Pork Pie shop in Melton is not only the oldest, but the last surviving maker of original Melton pies left in Leicestershire.

Answer: Chimps

Twycross was the home of the original PG chimps, used to advertise tea for over 40 years. To learn more about Twycross and the work that they do, here is the web address.
http://www.twycrosszoo.com/

Answer: 1

Until 2001 there were no locks at all along the length of the canal. A restoration project lengthened the canal and added its only lock.
The canal was originally constructed in the 18th and 19th centuries to transport coal from the Leicestershire fields to Birmingham, Oxford and beyond.

Answer: Old John

The folly at the top of the hill is called Old John. It was originally built as an observation tower to allow Ladies a view of a racecourse that ran around the hill on which it is built. It is believed to be named after an old retainer of the fifth Earl of Stamford, who erected it in his memory after John, the retainer, was killed accidentally here.

Answer: Grey Friars Church

The King was buried by the Franciscans at Greyfriars two or three days after he died. There is a local legend that his body was dug up in the 17th century and thrown in the river. In 2013, however, dedicated researchers of the Richard III Society located what they hoped would be Richard III's grave in a council car park.

A skeleton was located and DNA analysis confirmed that it was Richard III. He has now been buried in Leicester Cathedral.

Answer: Bardon Hill

At 278m or 912 feet, Bardon is the highest point. Beacon Hill is 248m or 813 feet, Burrough is 213m or 700 feet and Breedon is just 122m or 400 feet. Burrough Hill is the site of an Iron Age hill fort and a Country Park.

Answer: Watling Street

Watling Street ran from Kent to north Wales. The part that runs along the south west corner of Leicestershire is now part of the A5 trunk road. The Fosse Way Crosses Watling Street a few miles away from the town of Hinkley. Ermine and Akeman do not cross the county.