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The Leper Hospital founded in Burton Lazars

St Mary and St Lazarus Hospital was one of the most important leper hospitals in England.

• 6 mins

The secret RAF base which foiled the Nazis

The ‘Beambender’ was a vital WW2 RAF unit designed to foil Nazi bombing raids.

• 6 mins

‘Tanky’ Smith: Leicester’s first private detective

Francis ‘Tanky’ Smith was in Borough Police Force before becoming a private detective.

• 5 mins

50 years of hot water bottles from Loughborough

Some first designs for hot water bottle covers originated from a family in Loughborough.

• 6 mins

The archive ‘treasure trove’ of a comedy legend

Tony Hancock’s famous hat and coat is held in the archive at De Montfort University.

• 6 mins

Why does Leicester have a Statue of Liberty?

Leicester’s copy of the Statue of Liberty was made by local sculptor Joseph Morcom.

• 5 mins

The ancient oak that gave ‘Gartree’ its name

The Gartree was an ancient oak where jurors handed out justice and administered taxes.

• 6 mins

‘A medieval mayor and a Leicester murder scandal’

Brothers Walter and John Bushby sought sanctuary in two of Leicester’s medieval churches.

• 6 mins

A unique collection of a British comedy genius

Leicester is the home to a unique collection from Sir Norman Wisdom’s 60-year career.

• 6 mins

The secret tunnel under Leicester Royal Infirmary

Leicester Royal Infirmary was founded as the Leicester Infirmary with 40 beds in 1771.

• 6 mins

Leicester's connection to a modern nursing pioneer

Nightingale wards were named after Florence Nightingale, a pioneer of modern nursing.

• 6 mins

What's it like inside Old John?

Old John began life as a ruined folly during the time of the 5th Earl of Stamford.

• 6 mins

The 1645 Siege of Leicester

The 1645 Siege of Leicester was a grim chapter in the history of the city.

• 6 mins

The ‘lost’ pleasure gardens of Stonton Wyville

Stonton Wyville has the remnants of a banqueting house with its own pleasure gardens.

• 6 mins