Your once a year opportunity to discover Leicester’s

Friday 10 - Sunday 19 September 2021

Your once a year opportunity to discover Leicester’s hidden heritage

heritageopendays.org.uk

Yet again, our Heritage Open Days provide the opportunity forLeicester to showcase its remarkable 2000-year history.

Leicester’s heritage buildings, parks, businesses, creative venues andfaith buildings will once again stage events to reveal their storiesand unseen heritage to visitors. Leicester has so many hiddenhistorical gems and stories to discover.

The programme is again made possible by the dedication andenthusiasm of volunteers that the city is very fortunate to have.They generously share their passion for our local history byproviding access and staging events encouraging people to discoverand appreciate the rich, diverse culture and heritage of our city.

This brochure provides all the information you need about the opendays. Whether you are visiting Leicester, or you are a tourist in yourown city, I hope you enjoy the city and what it has to offer.

Sir Peter Soulsby City Mayor

At Risk War Memorials Project

Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesAt Risk War Memorials Project

Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourBelgrave Hall Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesGranby Street Conservation Area WalkingTourGreat Meeting Unitarian ChapelLCB Creative Family DayLeicester Cathedral Richard III TourLeicester Central Library TransportHeritage DayAt Risk War Memorials ProjectLeicester Print Workshop Old Type LetterPress ActivityLeicester Royal Infirmary Leicester St George's Serbian OrthodoxChurchMagazine GatewaySt Margaret's Church

2pm - 5pm

8am - 7pm

3pm - 6pm

8am - 7pmTours: 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm

2pm

10am - 5pm12noon - 4pmTours: 12noon and 2pm10am - 1pm

10am - 6pmTours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm

Tours: 10am and 12noon10am - 5pm

Tours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm10am - 4pm

THURSDAY 9 SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY 10 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

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Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourBelgrave Hall Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesGreat Meeting Unitarian ChapelGrey Friars Legal Quarter Walking TourAt Risk War Memorials ProjectGuildhall Guided TourMagazine GatewaySecular Hall Open Day

Abbey Pumping Station Beam Engine TourAbbey Pumping Station Transport ShedTourBelgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesWinstanley HouseY Heritage Summer Fete

Abbey Pumping Station Beam Engine TourAbbey Pumping Station Transport ShedTourBelgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesLCB Depot and Makers' Yard Guided TourLeicester Abbey Guided WalkLeicester Cathedral History of Medicine TourLeicester Cathedral Pilgrimage TourLeicester Guildhall Guided TourThe City RoomsWinstanley HouseY Heritage Summer Fete

Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourCastle Hill Country Park Heritage WalkDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesGranby Street Conservation Area WalkingTourHigh Street Heritage Action ZoneLCB Depot and Makers' Yard Guided TourLeicester Cathedral Richard III TourWinstanley HouseY Heritage Summer Fete

8am - 7pmTours: 11.15am, 12.30pm, 1.45pm and 3pm

10am - 5pmTours: 11am, 1pm and 3pm2.30pm - 5pmTours: 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pmTours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm10am - 4pm

Tours: 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pmTours: 11am, 12noon, 2pm and 3pm

8am - 7pm

11am - 4pm11am, 2pm and 5pm


8am - 7pm

10am10.30am2pm12noonTours: 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm11am - 4pm11am - 4pm11am, 2pm and 5pm

8am - 7pm2pm

2pm

1pm - 3pm10am2pm11am - 4pm11am, 2pm and 5pm

SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

TUESDAY 14 SEPTEMBER

WEDNESDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

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Abbey Pumping Station Beam Engine TourAbbey Pumping Station Transport ShedTourBelgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourChurch Gate Conservation Area WalkingTourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesISKCONLCB Depot and Makers' Yard Guided TourLeicester Abbey Guided WalkLeicester Cathedral Carved in Stone TourThe City RoomsWestern Park Heritage Walk

Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesISKCONLeicester Cathedral Richard III Tour

Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesISKCONLeicester Civic SocietyLeicester Civic Society Heritage WalkLeicester Civic Society Heritage TalksLeicester St George's Serbian OrthodoxChurchMagazine Gateway

Belgrave Cemetery Self-Guided TourChurch Gate Conservation Area WalkingTourDe Montfort Hall Behind the ScenesGrey Friars Legal Quarter Walking TourLeicester Secular Hall Open DayLeicester SynagogueMagazine GatewayStoneygate Tram Depot


8am - 7pm2pm

Talk: 6pm10am 2pm 12noon11am - 4pm2pm

8am - 7pm

12noon - 4pm12noon

8am - 7pm

11am - 2pm10.30am - 6pm10.30am 1.30pm-3.30pm10am - 5pm

Tours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm

8am - 7pm2pm

Tours: 11am, 1pm and 3pm10am - 4pm10am - 4pmTours: 11am, 12noon, 1pm and 2pm11am

THURSDAY 16 SEPTEMBER

FRIDAY 17 SEPTEMBER

SATURDAY 18 SEPTEMBER

SUNDAY 19 SEPTEMBER

Abbey PumpingStation Museum

Corporation Road,Leicester, LE4 5PX

Monday 13, Tuesday 14and Thursday 16 SeptemberTours: 11am, 12noon, 2pmand 3pm

Beam Engine TourJoin Leicester Museums TechnologyAssociation volunteers at Leicester’sMuseum of Science and Technology,displaying Leicester’s industrial,technological and scientific heritage.They will conduct tours of the BeamEngine house detailing the variousconstruction and operation aspectsof the Beam Engines, including theirhistorical significance at the time ofmanufacture.

Transport Shed TourDelve into the Abbey PumpingStation’s Transport Shed to discoveran array of fascinating vehicles. JoinLeicester Museums TechnologyAssociation volunteers for a tour ofseveral historic vehicles includingthe Aveling & Porter Steam Roller,Bagnall Steam Locomotive “Leonard”,Leicester Corporation buses, DennisFire Engines F8 and F7 and many more.

Tours last 1 hour. Transportshed tour is more suited toadults. Max 10 people per tour.

Booking Details: To book please visitW: leicestermuseums.arttickets.org.uk

For further information:W: leicestermuseums.org/abbeypumpingstationE: [email protected]: 0116 454 1292

Belgrave CemeterySelf-Guided Tour

Belgrave Cemetery, Red HillWay, Leicester, LE4 3EX

Friday 10 September -Sunday 19 September8am - 7pm

Explore this Victorian Cemeteryat your own pace, guided byinformation points. BelgraveCemetery was opened in 1881and offers visitors 5.5 acres ofnatural beauty and manytestaments to the stonemason’sart.

If you have a smartphone with aQR code reader, you can hear aspoken commentary telling youmore about what you can seeand who is buried beneath yourfeet.

For further information:E: [email protected] W: friendsofbelgravecemetery.org.uk

Belgrave Hall Guided Tour

Church Road, Leicester, LE4 5PE

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September Tours: 11.15am, 12.30pm,1.45pm and 3pm

An 18th century periodhouse surrounded byhistoric walled gardens;Belgrave Hall provides anoasis of tranquillity. Locatedin the Belgrave ConservationArea, the hall is surroundedby fascinating historicbuildings including theNational School, CrossCorners and St Peter’sChurch. Join a guided tourof the hall and see areaswhich aren’t normally opento members of the public.

No age restrictions howeververy young children mayquickly lose interest.Unfortunately, there is onlywheelchair access to theground floor and gardens.Max 15 people per tour.

Booking Details: To bookplease visitW: leicestermuseums.arttickets.org.uk

For further information:W: leicestermuseums.org/belgravehallE: [email protected]: 0116 229 8181

Castle Hill CountryPark Heritage Walk

Astill Lodge Road entrance,LE4 1BA - meet beside the‘Love Parks’ flagpole

Wednesday 15 September2pm

Leicester’s largest and perhaps leastknown park. The park has over 100hectares of grassland and woodland.There are two scheduled monumentsin the park. The Castle Hillearthworks, associated with theKnights Hospitaller and King Williamsbridge: an old pack horse bridgewhich spans the Rothley Brook.

Led by a Parks Officer, the walkprovides an insight into the park’shistory and development, withreference to site archaeology,landscape features and woodlandmanagement over the years.Including reference to earliermedieval deer parks anddevelopment of the historicBeaumont Leys Estate.

The walk also provides an insight intomodern day park management,recent conservation and heritageinitiatives and on-goingenvironmental improvement works,many carried out in partnership withLeicester Environmental Volunteers.

The walk route incorporates gravelledtracks, mown paths and woodlandtrails, with some slopes.

The walk lasts approximately 3hours. Max 12 people.

Booking Details: To book pleasecontact Visit Leicester.E: [email protected] T: 0116 299 4444Please leave a message and amember of staff will return yourcall as soon as possible.

For further information:W: leicester.gov.uk/parks

Church GateConservation AreaWalking Tour

Meet at the Clock Tower,Leicester, LE1 1ST

Thursday 16 and Sunday19 September2pm

A walking tour of the ChurchGate Conservation Area. Itwill cover archaeology,history themes andreference the ongoingHeritage Action Zone onChurch Gate and GranbyStreet, showcasing some ofthe projects currently underway. A “spot the detail”handout will also beavailable for children.

Suitable for all ages. Tours last 30 minutes.Max 25 people per tour.

De Montfort HallBehind the Scenes

demontforthall.co.uk

Friday 10 - Sunday 19September

Go behind the scenes of oneof England’s busiest and mostpopular live entertainmenttouring venues with an onlinebackstage tour.

De Montfort Hall, nestlednext to Victoria Park, hasbeen entertaining the peopleof Leicester, Leicestershireand beyond for nearly 110years and is a Grade II listedbuilding.

A purpose-built concert hall,we present a diverse andexciting programme oftouring west-end musicals,opera, dance, rock and popgigs, comedy, family shows,classical concerts and more.

Join our online tour andlearn little known factsabout the hall and its historyand explore, from thecomfort of your own home,the areas you don’t usuallyget to see or experience.

Booking Details: To join please visit:W: demontforthall.co.uk

Granby StreetConservation AreaWalking Tour

Meet outside the Merchantof Venice, 173-175 GranbyStreet, Leicester, LE1 6FE

Saturday 11 andWednesday 15 September 2pm

A walking tour of theGranby Street ConservationArea and beyond.

The walk will cover thehistory of retail buildings inGranby Street and thetemperance movement inLeicester and associatedbuildings, with briefdiversions to the BaptistChapel on Belvoir Streetand Halford House theformer Temperance BuildingSociety HQ on CharlesStreet.

The walk will also referencethe ongoing Heritage ActionZone on Church Gate andGranby Street, showcasingsome of the projectscurrently under way.

Suitable for all ages.Max 25 people per tour.

Great MeetingUnitarian Chapel

45 East Bond Street,Leicester, LE1 4SX

Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 September10am - 5pm

The Great MeetingUnitarian Chapel is theearliest brick building ofsignificance in Leicester.Originally built bydissenters in 1708, it stillstands witness to reason,freedom and tolerance inreligion. A series of plaquescommemorate the lives ofprominent Leicestercitizens.

Grey Friars LegalQuarter Walking Tour

Meet at the junction ofMillstone Lane and Wycliffe Street, Leicester,LE1 5LS

Sunday 12 and Sunday 19SeptemberTours: 11am, 1pm and 3pm

A walking tour of the GreyFriars legal quarter -Millstone Lane, WycliffeStreet, Friar Lane, New Streetand Peacock Lane with acommentary covering theperiod 1750 – 2021. Thelegal history of Grey Friars isone of tour guide AndrewHarper’s current researchinterests.

The tour lasts between 45 minutes and 1 hour,suitable for all adults andyoung people.

Max 20 people per tour.

Booking Details: To book please contactVisit LeicesterE: [email protected] T: 0116 299 4444Please leave a message and a member of staff willreturn your call as soon aspossible.

For further information: W: greyfriarsheritage.org.uk/history/new-street

High Street HeritageAction Zone VirtualNewsroom

Granby Street and ChurchGate, Leicester

Wednesday 15 September1pm - 3pm

Find out about Leicester’sHigh Street Heritage ActionZone, Building Roots campaign,cultural events programmeand how you can help tomake Granby Street andChurch Gate more attractive,engaging and vibrant placesto live, work and spend time.

A two-hour newsroom livestreamed via the DocumentaryMedia Centre’s Facebookpage. Drop in anytime tohear interviews with localbusinesses, updates onrestoration projects, localhistory and young peopleinvolved in the project.

Booking Details: To book please visitfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100063774090811

ISKCON, formerLeicestershire BankingCorporation HQ

31 Granby Street, Leicester,LE1 6EJ

Thursday 16 September 6pm Talk on the history ofGranby StreetFriday 17 September12noon - 4pm Drop in andpublic consultation Saturday 18 September11am - 2pm Drop in

This former bank, the HQ ofthe Leicestershire BankingCorporation, is a gem of theVictorian era. It was built in1874 and is a masterpiece ofJoseph Goddard. You cancome and see the grandBanking Hall, have a wanderaround the building and hear about plans for itsdevelopment.

For further information:W: iskconleicester.orgE: [email protected]

LCB Depot andMakers’ Yard GuidedTour and Family Day

31 Rutland Street, Leicester,LE1 1RE

Creative Family Day:Saturday 11 September12noon - 4pmTours: Tuesday 14,Wednesday 15 and Thursday16 September 10am

Discover the history and see behindthe scenes in a combined tour ofLeicester Creative Business (LCB)Depot that was previously LeicesterCity Bus depot, remodelled in 2004into a workspace hub for creativebusinesses and the Makers’ Yard aformer hosiery factory/warehouse opened in 2013 as studios fordesigner-makers. Tours start at theLCB Depot and then go onto theMakers' Yard.

Visitors can also enjoy refreshmentsat our café-bar Grays. Look out forspecial Leicestershire dishes duringthe HODs festival!

The Creative Family Day is aimedat children and families. Somestairs at Makers’ Yard are quitesteep and narrow.Max 20 people per tour.

Booking Details: Family Day: Drop in eventTours: To book your place pleasecontact LCB DepotE:[email protected]: 0116 261 6800 or pop in toLCB Depot Reception Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

For further information: W: lcbdepot.co.uk

Leicester AbbeyGuided Walks

Abbey Grounds car park inAbbey Park, opposite PetsCorner by the ruins, LE4 5AP

Tuesday 14 September Tour: 10.30am Thursday 16 SeptemberTour: 2pm

Take a guided tour of theLeicester Abbey ruins. Learnabout the different rooms,what it would have been liketo live there, what therooms were used for andwhat was found duringexcavations.

The tour is more suitablefor adults and takes around90 minutes to complete. Itincludes 6 steep steps witha handrail but is mostly onthe flat with littleopportunity for shade andseating. Therefore, pleasewear appropriate clothingand sturdy footwear, bringwater and wear sunscreenand or a sunhat. Max 10people per tour.

Booking Details: To book please E: [email protected] upto 2 days before the event.

For further information: W: leicester.gov.uk/parks

Leicester CathedralHistory of Medicineand Links to StMartin’s Parish Tour

Leicester CathedralPeacock Lane, Leicester,LE1 5PZ

Tuesday 14 September Tour: 2pm

The history of medicine isrich and varied. This tourlooks at the superstitions atthe heart of medical careduring the Middle Ages, therole of the church inministering to the sick andhow this changed over thecenturies. Local eminentfigures with connections tothe Cathedral and its parishalso add interest to thisfascinating tour.

Family groups welcome.Max 8 people.

Booking Details: To book please E: [email protected]

For further information: W: leicestercathedral.orgT: 0116 261 5362

Leicester CathedralCarved in Stone Tour

Leicester CathedralPeacock Lane, Leicester,LE1 5PZ

Thursday 16 September Tour: 12noon

This tour explores the stoneof Leicester Cathedral, fromthe ancient to the presentday. Taking in the visibleremnants of its Normanorigins and paying homageto the Romans, the tour willfocus primarily on theMedieval and Victorian eraswhilst also looking carefullyat the tomb of Richard III.



For further information:W: leicestercathedral.orgT: 0116 261 5362

Leicester CathedralRichard III Tours

Leicester Cathedral,Peacock Lane, Leicester,LE1 5PZ

Saturday 11 September 12noon & 2pmWednesday 15 September2pmFriday 17 September 12noon

Leicester Cathedral is thesite of Richard III’s burial.The tour takes in the tomb,the Richard III redemptionwindows and the pall thatcovered the coffin whilst helay in repose.




Leicester CentralLibrary – TransportHeritage Day

Central Library, Bishop Street, Leicester,LE1 6AA

Saturday 11 September10am - 1pm

During this event there willbe the opportunity to talkto local experts and seedocuments and itemsrelating to the transporthistory of the city.

For further information: T: 0116 299 5440

Leicester CathedralPilgrimage Tour

Leicester Cathedral,Peacock Lane, Leicester,LE1 5PZ

Tuesday 14 SeptemberTour: 12noon

The act of pilgrimage, ortaking a journey in search ofmeaning, has gained newprominence in recent years.This tour explores thehistory of pilgrimage,focusing particularly on StMartin’s Church as a placeof pilgrimage during theMiddle Ages. More broadly,it focuses on those aspectsthat draw the modernvisitor in reverence andprayer and what this tells us about ourselves.




To help you navigate around the city on foot look out for the on-street map signage or pick up a more detailed, freecity centre map at Visit Leicester Information Centre. Discover more destinations with unique heritage and cultural highlights not to be missed as well as a myriad of shopping experiences and tantalising places to eat,drink and relax at visitleicester.info.

MAP INDEXHERITAGE OPEN DAYS 2021 EVENTS

1. Abbey Park

2. Abbey Pumping Station

3. All Saints Church

4. Belgrave Cemetery

5. Belgrave Hall

6. Castle Hill Country Park

7. Clock Tower

8. Granby Street

9. Great Meeting Unitarian Chapel

10. ISKCON

11. LCB Depot and Makers’ Yard

12. Leicester Cathedral

13. Leicester Central Library

14. Leicester Guidhall

15. Leicester Print Workshop

16. Leicester Royal Infimary

17. Leicester Secular Hall

18. Leicester St George’s Serbian Orthodox Church

19. Leicester Synagogue

20. Magazine Gateway

21. Millstone Lane

22. St Mary De Castro Church

23. St Margaret's Church

24. The City Rooms

25. The Y Theatre

26. Western Park

27. Winstanley House

Leicester Civic Society- Celebrating 50 yearsof ChampioningLeicester’s BuiltHeritage

St Mary De Castro Church,Castle View, Leicester, LE1 5WH

Saturday 18 September10.30am - 6pm Tours/talks at various times

All Day: Displays and informationabout Leicester Civic SocietyTour: 10.30am - 12.30pm: A heritage walk, starting at theLondon Road Train Station, exploringSouth Highfields, a Victoriansuburb. Led by Richard Warren.Talk: 1.30pm - 2.30pm: “Homes Fitfor Heroes” a talk by Ned Newitt onthe provision of quality councilhousing and gardens in Leicesterafter the First World War. Talk: 3.30pm - 4.30pm: “KennethBrowne’s Townscape of Leicester” a talk by Mike Taylor (Quality ofLeicester author). Leicester Civic Society Awards: 5pmBest Heritage Restoration, BestNew Building Design, The BestHeritage Champion in Leicester.

Leicester Civic Society, founded in 1971, have planned a day ofcelebration to be held in thebeautiful St Mary De Castro'sChurch. There will be theopportunity to look around the ancient, Grade I listed church,located within the former bailey of Leicester Castle.

Refreshments can be purchasedthroughout the day.

Booking Details: For the heritagewalk starting from London RoadTrain Station, booking is requiredon arrival. Max 25 people per tour(first come first served).

Leicester GuildhallGuided Tour

Guildhall Lane, Leicester,LE1 5FQ

Sunday 12 and Tuesday 14 SeptemberTours: 11.30am, 1.30pmand 3.30pm

Built in 1390, a Guildhall tour will take you on a tripthrough time. Discover themany uses of the site downthe centuries. Its first role asa meeting place for the Guildof Corpus Christi to thePolice Cells dating back tothe Victorians.

Suitable for all ages. Theupper floor is accessibleonly via steps with a handrail. Uneven floors relativeto the age of the building.

Booking Details: To book please visit W: leicestermuseums.arttickets.org.uk

For further information:W: leicestermuseums.org/leicesterguildhallE: [email protected] T: 0116 253 2569

Leicester City, County& Rutland At Risk WarMemorials Project

The Chancel, behind AllSaints Church, HighcrossStreet, Leicester, LE1 4PH

Thursday 9 September2pm - 5pmFriday 10 September3pm - 6pmSaturday 11 September10am - 6pmSunday 12 September2.30pm - 5pm

View over 45 different typesof war memorials whichhave been taken into carefrom closed churches,chapels, clubs and factorieswhich otherwise would havebeen lost. Each one has astory board telling of itshistory and how it wasrescued, often in dramaticcircumstances. Past visitorshave discovered ancestorsand have had theopportunity to see theirfamily members honoured.

All ages welcome. Max 30 people at a time.

For further information:W: atriskwarmemorials.co.ukE: [email protected]

Leicester PrintWorkshopOld Type LetterpressActivity

Leicester Print Workshop,50 St George Street,Leicester, LE1 1QG

Saturday 11 SeptemberTours: 11am, 12pm, 1pm,2pm and 3pm

Come and see howletterpress was printed onthe Leicester PrintWorkshop's amazingColumbian press and tryyour hand at printing usinga beautiful collection ofwooden type.

Tours last 45 minutes.

Booking Details: To book please contactLeicester Print Workshop E: [email protected] T: 0116 251 4174

For further information:W: leicesterprintworkshop.com T: 0116 251 4174

Leicester Synagogue

40 Highfield St, Leicester,LE2 1AD

Sunday 19 September 10am - 4pm

The Orthodox JewishSynagogue is over 120 yearsold and is a Grade II listedbuilding.

Work has been completedrecently in creating a VisitorCentre with the help of asubstantial grant from theNational Lottery HeritageFund.

There will be informal toursaround the buildingtogether with explanationsby members of thecommunity about its useand the Jewish faith.

All ages welcome.

For further information: W: jewish-leicester.co.uk T: 0116 271 5603

Leicester RoyalInfirmary - 250thAnniversary

Victoria Building Entrance,Infirmary Road, Leicester,LE1 5WW

Saturday 11 SeptemberTours: 10am and 12noon

2021 is the 250thanniversary of the opening ofthe Leicester Royal Infirmary.Find out more about thehistory of the hospital and goon a tour around the historicareas of the site. Someheritage artefacts will be ondisplay for people to viewand hold.

Tours last 1 hour 30 minutes.Max 10 people per tour.

Booking Details: To book please contactVisit Leicester:E: [email protected] T: 0116 299 4444Please leave a message and a member of staff will returnyour call as soon as possible.

Tour is not suitable forchildren.

For further information: E: [email protected]

St George’s SerbianOrthodox Church

Rutland Street, Leicester,LE1 1RD

Saturday 11 and Saturday18 September 10am - 5pm

St George’s was the firstchurch built in Leicestersince the Reformation. Builtin 1823-7 by WilliamParsons; the chancel wasadded by Sir ArthurBlomfield in 1879.

The church was adopted in1983 by the SerbianCommunity in Leicester. Thechurch continues to servethe people of the ChristianOrthodox faith today withservices held regularly onmost Sunday mornings.

Take an opportunity to seethis beautiful church andlook through the altar atthe breathtaking stainedglass windows.

Children to be supervised by a responsible adult.

Magazine Gateway -Guided Tour

Newarke Gateway(Magazine), Oxford Street,Leicester, LE1 5WH

Saturday 11, Sunday 12,Saturday 18 and Sunday 19SeptemberTours: 11am, 12pm 1pmand 2pm

The Magazine Gateway, abuilding people regularlywalk, cycle and drive past,opens its doors for BlueBadge guided tours.

Originally a 15th centurygateway into the formerNewarke religious precinct,this building was later usedas a munitions store duringthe English Civil War. Thetour includes fascinatingarchitectural features andgraffiti dating back to the16th century.

Not suitable for youngchildren, or those withmobility issues. Max 8 people tour.

Booking Details: To book your place contactNewarke Houses Museum T: 0116 225 4980

Secular Hall Open Day

75 Humberstone Gate,Leicester, LE1 1WB

Sunday 12 and Sunday 19September 10am - 4pm

Leicester Secular Hall, aGrade II listed building,opened in 1881 and is homeof Leicester Secular Society,the oldest Secular Society inthe world. Find out moreabout the history of thesociety and its hall in thespecial exhibition andinformation leaflets. Therewill be guided tours of thebuilding with an opportunityto see old Dutch tiles whichare not usually on view.

Ned Newitt will bepresenting a display ofhistoric images of what isnow the Cultural Quarter.This will include pictures ofthe old Wholesale Marketarea and Humberstone Gate.

Children welcome, but moresuitable for ages 12+.

For further information:W: leicestersecularsociety.org.ukE: [email protected]

St Margaret’s Church

St Margaret's Way,Leicester, LE3 3EB

Saturday 11 September10am - 4pm

St Margaret's Church opens itsdoors and welcomes you tovisit and discover what lieswithin.

A large Medieval churchsteeped in local history. Visitorsare invited to search for thewooden church mouse andenjoy the Victorian stainedglass windows. See monumentsof well known people and in thechurchyard the tomb of LordRollo. See extremely old andrare items of furniture,including a tithe chest which iscomplete with nail headdecorations. The North Aislealso has a Children's Corner.

For further information: W: stmargaretsleicester.com

Stoneygate Tram Depot

Sunday 19 September 11am

Hear the fascinating storyof the Edwardian TramDepot located on LondonRoad through a Zoompresentation. Opened in1904 it was only a TramDepot for 18 years. Overthe next 99 years it has hadmany uses including aperiod as a RailwayMuseum. The depot is nowlooked after by the LeicesterTransport Heritage Trustwho have big plans for itsfuture.

To receive the Zoom meetinginvitation e-mail:[email protected]

The City Rooms

16 Hotel St, Leicester, LE1 5AW

Tuesday 14 and Thursday 1611am - 4pm

The City Rooms are openingtheir grand doors to revealthe beauty of the inside ofthe building. The CityRooms is a Georgian Grade Ilisted venue in the heart ofLeicester city centre. Built in1792 it has undergone majorrestoration in recent yearswhich has transformed itinto a stunning wedding andconference venue. Steepedin history, the centerpiece isa magnificent ballroomwhich runs the entire lengthof the building which alsoretains many perioddecorative features.

For further information: E: [email protected] T: 0116 251 5337

Y Heritage SummerFete

The Y Theatre, East Street,Leicester, LE1 6EY

Monday 13, Tuesday 14 andWednesday 15 SeptemberSessions: 11am, 2pm & 5pm

Join us in the Y Theatre, a stunningGrade II listed building close tothe centre of the City and a stone’sthrow from Leicester railwaystation. Built in 1900, The Y is theoldest surviving theatre in Leicester.Go back in time and have fun atThe Y Heritage Summer Fetewith original sideshows, Edwardianand mid-20th century games.All sideshows and games will befree and can be played by adultsand children alike making itperfect for a family HeritageOpen Day visit.

Traditionally dressed “Barkers”will be on hand to encouragevisitors to play, show you thetricks to make you a winner andhow to avoid the showman’straps. There might even be prizesfor the winners!

Younger children should besupervised by a responsible adult.Each session lasts up to 2 hrs. Max 30 people per session.

Booking Details: To book your place please visitytheatre.co.uk Booking is essential.

For further information: W: leicesterymca.co.uk/youth-community/our-work/y-heritage

Western Park Heritage Walk

Hinckley Road Entrance,Leicester, LE3 6HX Meet in car park, besideschildren’s play area

Thursday 16 September 2pm

A leisurely walk around thisattractive late Victorian park. Ledby a Parks Officer, the walkprovides an insight into the park’shistory and development. Duringthe walk you will find out aboutWestern Park's archaeological andlandscape history. Learn abouthow the woodland has beenmanaged over the years andMedieval parks.

The walk also provides an insightinto modern day park management,recent conservation initiatives andon-going environmentalimprovement works.

The walk route is mainly alongmown paths and woodland trails,with some slopes. Toilets availableon site, besides the children’s playarea/car park. Parts of the sitemay be subject to waterloggingfollowing wet weather. Sturdyfootwear is recommended.

The walk is approximately 2 hours. Max 12 people.

Booking Details: To book pleasecontact Visit Leicester.E: [email protected] T: 0116 299 4444Please leave a message and amember of staff will return yourcall as soon as possible.

For further information: W: leicester.gov.uk/parks

Winstanley House

Hinckley Road, Leicester,LE3 1HX

Monday 13, Tuesday 14and Wednesday 15September11am - 4pm

This historic building is setwithin 160 acres of parklandand has been sympatheticallyrestored into a boutiquehotel and entertainmentvenue.

Winstanley House, formerlyBraunstone Hall, was createdfor Clement Winstanley thewealthy owner of thesurrounding estate. Itbecame the family's primaryresidence in the 18thcentury. Since 1932 it hasbeen many things, includinga school and the DivisionalHeadquarters to the US82nd Airbourne Divisionduring World War Two.

This is an opportunity todrop in and discover thishistoric building and groundsand to view the restorationand transformation that hasbrought it back to life today.

For further information: W: winstanleyhouse.co.ukT: 0116 366 5642

For further details of events and accessinformation, please visit:heritageopendays.org.ukvisitleicester.info

heritageopenday #leicester

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this guide is correctand accurate at the time of going to print. We apologise for any changes whichmay be necessary.

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Your once a year opportunity to discover Leicester’s