King Lear and the Archaeological Legacy of Leicester

Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.

Looking to book tours, experiences or hotels? Let me help you...

King Lear, the legendary British monarch immortalized by Shakespeare, is traditionally linked to Leicester, where archaeological finds reveal a rich history from Roman times to medieval legends. The site at 7 Everard Way, Leicester, encompasses remnants of Roman baths and the famed Jewry Wall, connecting myth with tangible heritage in this historic city.

A brief summary to King Lear

7 Everard Way, Leicester, LE19 1UT, GB
Visit website
Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
Free
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

Visit the nearby Jewry Wall Museum to see Roman artifacts and learn about Leicester’s ancient past.
Explore the site early in the day to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and better photo opportunities.
Combine your visit with a walk along the River Soar to connect with the legend of King Lear’s burial place.
Check local event listings for special exhibitions or talks about Leicester’s archaeological heritage.

Getting There

Bus

Take local bus services from Leicester city center to the Everard Way area; travel time ranges from 10 to 20 minutes. Services run frequently during the day, but check schedules on weekends. Tickets cost approximately £2 to £4.
Taxi

A taxi ride from Leicester railway station to 7 Everard Way typically takes 10 minutes depending on traffic. Fares generally range from £7 to £12. This option offers direct and convenient access.
Walking

From Leicester city center, a 30-minute walk along mostly flat, paved routes will bring you to the site. Suitable for most visitors, with accessible paths and urban surroundings.

King Lear location weather suitability

Any Weather
Mild Temperatures
Rain / Wet Weather

Discover more about King Lear

The Mythical Roots of King Lear in Leicester

King Lear, as recounted by Geoffrey of Monmouth in the 12th century, is a legendary king of the Britons said to have founded the city of Leicester around the 8th century BC. Though largely considered a medieval invention, the legend intertwines with the city's identity, with Lear portrayed as a ruler whose story inspired Shakespeare's tragedy. Geoffrey named Leicester Kaerleir, meaning "City of Leir," linking the ancient king to the locale and embedding his tale deeply into British cultural heritage.

Archaeological Discoveries and Roman Heritage

Extensive archaeological excavations in Leicester reveal that the first permanent settlement dates to the 1st century BC, much later than the legendary founding date. This settlement, known as Ratae Corieltauvorum, was a significant Roman town with impressive structures such as public baths, parts of which survive as the Jewry Wall—the second largest Roman masonry remnant in Britain. The Jewry Wall area, near King Lear’s supposed burial site, offers insight into Roman urban life and the continuity of occupation through centuries.

The Jewry Wall and Its Historical Significance

The Jewry Wall, once part of the Roman baths complex, stands as a monumental reminder of Leicester’s Roman past. During medieval times, the wall became part of the Jewish quarter, sheltering a community that was integral to the city’s history. The wall's name likely originates from folk beliefs about mysterious ruins, rather than direct Jewish connections. Beneath and around the Jewry Wall, archaeological work continues to uncover layers of Leicester’s past, including Roman artifacts and evidence of earlier settlements.

King Lear’s Burial and the Temple of Janus

According to legend, King Lear was buried beneath the River Soar in a vault dedicated to the Roman god Janus, near the Jewry Wall. While this story is likely a medieval attempt to rationalize the Roman ruins, it enriches Leicester’s mythic landscape. The association with Janus, the god of beginnings and transitions, adds symbolic depth to Lear’s narrative and connects the city’s Roman and legendary pasts in a unique cultural fusion.

Leicester’s Evolution Through Time

Leicester’s history spans Roman occupation, Anglo-Saxon and Danish control, and medieval development. The city’s fortifications, including walls rebuilt by Ethelfloeda in the 10th century, reflect its strategic importance. Over time, the city transformed from a Roman settlement to a medieval hub, with its layered history preserved in architecture and archaeological sites. King Lear’s legend, while fictional, remains a cultural touchstone that highlights Leicester’s long-standing royal and historical significance.

Modern Recognition and Cultural Impact

Today, Leicester embraces its rich heritage through museums like the Jewry Wall Museum, which showcases Roman artifacts and educates visitors about the city’s ancient past. The King Lear story continues to inspire literary and historical interest, drawing visitors intrigued by the blend of myth and archaeology. Leicester’s identity as a city of kings and legends is celebrated alongside its vibrant modern culture, making it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike.

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

King Lear

0.0 km

Explore Leicester’s legendary ties to King Lear, where Roman ruins and medieval myths converge in a captivating historical landmark.

Leicester Roman West Gate site

4.8 km

Explore Leicester’s monumental Roman baths and the iconic Jewry Wall, a testament to ancient urban life and architecture.

Welford Place

5.0 km

Explore the historic John Biggs statue at Welford Place, a Victorian landmark celebrating Leicester’s reformist legacy and civic pride.

23 St.Nicholas Pl

5.1 km

Leicester's oldest place of worship, where Roman foundations meet medieval splendour and 1,100 years of history.

Museum Development East Midlands

6.7 km

Supporting East Midlands museums with expert guidance, grants, and training from County Hall, Leicester.

Earl Shilton Castle

8.9 km

Discover the Norman motte and bailey earthworks of Earl Shilton Castle, a historic hunting lodge and fortress near Leicester.

Memorial Clock Tower

19.6 km

A towering Gothic-revival memorial in Coalville honoring 354 fallen WWI soldiers with a commanding clock and rich community history.

Westmorland Drive

23.1 km

Experience seamless travel in Nuneaton at the Westmorland Drive bus stop, your gateway to local attractions and vibrant community life.

Bedworth Water Tower

24.3 km

A towering Romanesque water tower blending industrial heritage, architectural charm, and urban wildlife in the heart of Bedworth.

Sir Frank Whittle

30.4 km

Coventry's tribute to the jet engine pioneer who revolutionized aviation and transformed modern flight.

Council House

30.6 km

A majestic Edwardian Tudor Revival building at Coventry’s heart, blending civic function with rich historical symbolism and artistic heritage.

Lyddington Bede House

31.9 km

Discover Lyddington Bede House, a stunning heritage manor in England, steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens.

Rushton Triangular Lodge

32.1 km

Explore the architectural wonder of Rushton Triangular Lodge, a unique heritage building steeped in history and stunning design.

Lamport Hall

32.5 km

Explore Lamport Hall, a stunning historical landmark in Northamptonshire, where rich heritage and breathtaking gardens await every traveler.

Framework Knitters Museum

32.8 km

Discover the fascinating history of hosiery at the Framework Knitters Museum in Ruddington, where heritage and culture come alive.

Unmissable attractions to see

Aylestone Meadows Local Nature Reserve

2.1 km

Leicester’s largest local nature reserve, a tranquil mosaic of wetlands, woodlands, and canal-side paths rich in wildlife and history.

Attenborough Arboretum

4.6 km

Discover Leicester’s Attenborough Arboretum, a living timeline of native trees and tranquil wildlife habitats in a historic urban green space.

The Newarke Houses Museum

4.7 km

Explore Leicester’s Tudor heritage, immersive WWI trench, and vibrant Victorian shops amid tranquil historic gardens.

Leicester Castle

4.7 km

Explore Leicester Castle’s medieval heritage and royal connections in the heart of the city, where history and architecture intertwine.

Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

5.0 km

Explore one of Britain’s largest Roman masonry structures and immerse yourself in Leicester’s ancient Roman baths and heritage museum.

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

5.0 km

Discover Leicester’s rich heritage through captivating art, natural history, and interactive family galleries on historic New Walk.

The Guildhall Museum

5.1 km

Explore 600 years of Leicester’s history in a beautifully preserved medieval timber-framed Guildhall, from Shakespearean theatre to Victorian police cells.

Leicester Cathedral

5.1 km

Discover the historic Leicester Cathedral, home to King Richard III’s tomb and centuries of Gothic splendor in the heart of Leicester.

King Richard III Visitor Centre

5.1 km

Discover the incredible story of King Richard III’s life, death, and rediscovery at the site where history was unearthed beneath a Leicester car park.

Veeno

5.2 km

Experience authentic Sicilian wines and Italian small plates in Leicester’s vibrant St Martins Square at Veeno.

Town Hall Square Fountain

5.2 km

Historic Victorian fountain in Leicester’s Town Hall Square, a symbol of civic pride and architectural elegance.

Highcross

5.2 km

Leicester’s vibrant shopping and entertainment destination with over 120 stores, diverse dining, and a luxury cinema experience.

Leicester Market

5.3 km

Europe’s largest outdoor covered market, blending 700 years of history with vibrant multicultural produce and lively community spirit.

The Clock Tower

5.4 km

Discover the historic Clock Tower in Leicester, a stunning landmark that encapsulates the city's rich heritage and vibrant local culture.

Kirby Muxloe Castle

5.6 km

Explore the evocative ruins and tranquil moated grounds of Kirby Muxloe Castle, a spectacular unfinished 15th-century brick fortress steeped in history.

Family-run Italian dining in a stylish Victorian setting, blending Neapolitan tradition with modern elegance and a warm, inviting atmosphere.

Leicester's pioneering indoor shopping centre with 60+ stores, dining, and award-winning facilities.

A lively Leicester gastro pub blending artisan British fare, craft drinks, and vintage charm on the historic High Street.

Your Ultimate Free Travel Guide

Discover King Lear with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide. Explore attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more with ease and convenience.

King Lear and the Archaeological Legacy of Leicester

A brief summary to King Lear

Local tips

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Getting There

Bus

Taxi

Walking

King Lear location weather suitability

Unlock the Best of King Lear

Buy tickets

Book tours with entry

Book tours without entry

Discover more about King Lear

The Mythical Roots of King Lear in Leicester

Archaeological Discoveries and Roman Heritage

The Jewry Wall and Its Historical Significance

King Lear’s Burial and the Temple of Janus

Leicester’s Evolution Through Time

Modern Recognition and Cultural Impact

Iconic landmarks you can’t miss

King Lear

Leicester Roman West Gate site

Welford Place

23 St.Nicholas Pl

Museum Development East Midlands

Earl Shilton Castle

Memorial Clock Tower

Westmorland Drive

Bedworth Water Tower

Sir Frank Whittle

Council House

Lyddington Bede House

Rushton Triangular Lodge

Lamport Hall

Framework Knitters Museum

Unmissable attractions to see

Aylestone Meadows Local Nature Reserve

Attenborough Arboretum

The Newarke Houses Museum

Leicester Castle

Jewry Wall & Roman Baths

Leicester Museum and Art Gallery

The Guildhall Museum

Leicester Cathedral

King Richard III Visitor Centre

Veeno

Town Hall Square Fountain

Highcross

Leicester Market

The Clock Tower

Kirby Muxloe Castle

Essential places to dine

Black Iron

Restaurant Romanesc Leicester (Romanian Restaurant) Grande Gusto

Sapphire Seafood Kitchen - Leicester Restaurant

The White Peacock

Wygston's House Bar & Restaurant

Bistrot Pierre - Leicester

Casa Romana Restaurant

Cosy Club

Restaurant263

Merchant of Venice

Varanasi Boutique Restaurant

The Frame

OGGI Italian Restaurant

Dom restaurant and bar

Sapori Restaurant & Bar

Markets, malls and hidden boutiques

Narborough Hall

Karma Corner Gifts

Prettiez

Nim's Boutique ltd

Niche Store

Arciide

Very Bazaar Leicester

Just Fair Trade

Set

The Wardrobe

Menkind