Press Release
New Heritage Plaques at Fosse Park
Discover our new heritage plaques at Fosse Park!
Find two beautifully crafted bronze plaques between Flannels and Currys, celebrating the history beneath our feet—from the Roman engineering of Fosse Way to the legendary King Leir, said to have given Leicester its name. Stop by on your next visit to explore the stories that shaped the region, and find links to dive deeper into each legend and archaeological discovery.
Fosse Way – A Roman Legacy
Located between Flannels and Currys, this new bronze plaque commemorates Fosse Way, one of Britain’s most important Roman roads. Stretching from Exeter to Lincoln, Fosse Way carved a bold diagonal through the country—passing through what is now Leicester—and played a key role in shaping early trade, travel, and settlement patterns across the region.
Our plaque celebrates this enduring landmark and its deep connection to the history beneath Fosse Park’s foundations. Learn more about the Roman story here:
King Lear – The Legendary Founder of Leicester
The second bronze plaque celebrates King Lear (Leir)—the legendary ruler whose name is said to have inspired “Leicester.” Local folklore and medieval sources describe Leir as a pre‑Roman king who established the city, lending both a name and a heritage that still spark curiosity today. Modern archaeological interpretations even shed new light on the origins of his story (including why early spellings of “Leicester” differ from what we know today!).
Discover more about the legend and its archaeological roots: