Leicester Square

Leicester Square is well known as a centre for movie going in London with its seven cinemas, often hosting premieres for major films. Visible in the square are the handprints and plaques of a number of film stars similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Despite being one of the best known sites in London, it has an interesting past which is perhaps less familiar. It is named after the 2nd Earl of Leicester, who built Leicester House at the northern end of the square in about 1635, and enclosed the land around it, preventing its use by the public. This drew protests from local parishioners, who appealed to Charles I. Lord Leicester was forced to open up a portion of his land again, which became known as Leicester Field and has been a public space ever since.

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