Originally an important roman military centre known as Ratar Coritanorum, Leicester flourished and was one of Britain's most important places for wealth, trade and religion. Later becoming a civilian town, Leicester was known as a city until the 11th century when it lost its status.

The town developed into a prosperous market town but due to epidemic outbreaks the population fluctuated during the 17th century. After this point the town grew substantially during the 18th and 19th century as Leicester evolved from a market town to an industrial centre. In 1919 King George V reinstated Leicester's city status.