Leyccer
Latin: Ratae Corieltauvorum
Old English: Legaceaster, Ligora-ceastre
Leicester is the largest city in the East Midlands region of England, and the county town of Leicestershire.
Mentioned in Vulgate II, this subkingdom presumably corresponds to modern Leicestershire.
Leicester was governed by Earl Jugein under King Arthur.
Leicester | 0 to the 9th century AD
Roman Period | 1st century AD
Leicester, known as Ratae Corieltauvorum during Roman times, was established as a Roman military outpost on the Fosse Way, a major Roman road in Britain, around 50 AD. It served as a strategic settlement for the Corieltauvi tribe and developed into a thriving Roman town with forums, baths, and other amenities. Ratae Corieltauvorum served as an important administrative and trading center in the region.
Anglo-Saxon Period | 5th – 9th centuries
Following the Roman withdrawal from Britain in the early fifth century, Leicester experienced changes in rulership and faced Anglo-Saxon incursions. The area became part of the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia in the seventh century, and Leicester emerged as an important administrative center within the kingdom. During this time, Leicester was known as Ligora-ceastre or Legaceaster, in Old English.
Danish Invasions | 9th century
In the late eighth and early ninth centuries, during the Viking Age, Leicester faced Danish raids and invasions and became part of the Danelaw – a region under Viking control. The Danes established a settlement in Leicester, and the city played a role in the political and economic dynamics of the Danelaw.
Mercian Influence
While under Danish control, Leicester continued to have ties to the Mercian kingdom, and it is documented that King Offa of Mercia had a palace in the area.
Christianization
The spread of Christianity gained momentum during the Anglo-Saxon period, and Leicester, like other parts of England, saw the establishment of Christian communities and churches. By the seventh century, the town had its own Christian community. St. Martin’s Church, which still stands today, is one of the oldest churches in England and has Saxon origins.
See also
Earl of Leicester | The Legend of King Arthur
Sources
Historia Regum Britanniae | Geoffrey of Monmouth, c. 1138
Roman de Brut | Wace, c. 1155
Brut | Layamon, late 12th century to mid-13th century