History lovers can now add De Montfort University Leicester (DMU)’s Heritage Centre to the list of free attractions open in the city for the last Sunday of every month.
Heritage Sundays aims to showcase Leicester’s rich heritage and some of its beautiful buildings. People can visit The Magazine, Wygston’s House and Leicester Castle free, or book a guided tour with an expert Blue Badge guide.
DMU’s Heritage Centre opened its doors in March to the public. It tells the story of the university from its beginnings in 1870 as the Leicester School of Art, features a range of works from current and past students and details the rich history of its medieval site.
Its star attraction is the arches, the only remaining ruins of the Church of the Annunciation – the church where the battle-scarred body of Richard III was laid for two days after his defeat at the Battle of Bosworth.
DMU sits on one of the oldest parts of the city, which was known as the Newarke. Trinity Chapel has been on the site since 1330 and was part of an adjacent hospital for 664 years.
It was built next to Leicester Castle by Henry 3rd Duke of Leicester, the grandson of King Henry III.
Elizabeth Wheelband, Heritage Centre Co-ordinator, said: “we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute in the celebration of Leicester’s history and overwhelmed with the support and interest we’ve had from visitors so far”.
The Magazine Gateway which is next to DMU’s Hugh Aston building is a Grade I listed building, built around 1410 as the main entrance to the Newarke precinct.
Wygston’s House is the oldest surviving house in Leicester, with the timber-framed hall dating back to the 1490s.
Leicester Castle has seen many distinguished visitors over the years, including Richard III, Edward I, Edward II and Henry IV. Peter Pan creator JM Barrie also spent many hours at Leicester Castle when the building was converted into courts, reporting on trials as part of his job as a reporter on the Nottingham Journal.
Geoffrey Chaucer, author of the Canterbury Tales, married Philippa de Roet, lady-in-waiting to Edward III’s queen, at St Mary de Castro church.
DMU’s Heritage Centre will be open on Sunday from 11am to 3pm and entry is free. It is based within the university’s Hawthorn Building and its entrance is directly opposite Trinity House.
Posted on Friday 26 June 2015