Leicester has long been an important city in the East Midlands. Remains of Roman Leicester can still be seen today, as well as many buildings from the Middle Ages, not least being the resting place of Richard III at the end of the Wars of the Roses. Leicester grew rapidly during industrialisation, led by industries such as textiles, clothing, footwear and engineering. It was granted city status in 1919 after its industries had played a key role in the First World War and St Martin’s Church was consecrated as the cathedral in 1927. The last 100 years have seen sweeping changes to Leicester as the city has extended and rebuilt itself. In Leicester: The Postcard Collection author Alan Spree has drawn on a remarkable selection of old postcards to give a pictorial record of life in Leicester in the past, from c. 1900 to the 1950s. Although some of the historical Leicester seen in these views has been lost, many landmarks have remained and will be familiar today. The postcards show the changes in Leicester’s fabric and how its community has adapted to and changed over the course of this period. This fascinating collection of images will be of interest to those who have lived in Leicester or know it well.

Alan Spree is the great-grandson of the postcard publisher John Henry Spree. Alan was born in Nottingham and went to school in Bilborough before moving to Portsmouth and growing up there. His first job was at Portsmouth Dockyard then he gained a degree in Civil Engineering and became a professionally qualified Civil Engineer. He worked with the Department of Environment and Preston City Council before retirement in Spain.