Leigh984, The creative portfolio of Leigh Spencer

  Joining the Leicester Riverside Festival for the first time in 2025 was a recreation of the Siege Of Leicester, in 1645 the Siege of Leicester took place during the English Civil War where Royalist forces, led by Prince Rupert, besieged and sacked the town. In 2025 the The Militias Of Anglia recreated scenes form the period on the streets in and around Leicester Castle and the Newarke on which it actually took place 380 years ago. We open at Leicester castle where the Re-enactors have created a living history encampment teaching visitors about the period, the living conditions of those serving and accurate costumes they are wearing. Next we see the colours raised as the siege begins, following the march beat of the drum out of Leicester Castle, under Turret Gateway and onto the Newarke where various demonstrations of techniques used in the siege are performed for the gathered crowds including very loud shots from period accurate firearms (handled by trained and certified re-enac...

Whilst visiting Northern France to film the Paris - Roubaix bike race I had a chance for a brief stop in Lille. The largest city in French Flanders Lille old town is known for its characterful 17th century buildings with various wrought iron signs and traditional narrow streets opening into larger open squares making the area well worth a visit. Look out for the upside down house and the Vieille Bourse (Old stock exchange), built from 1652 to 1653 This building is made up of 24 little houses around an arched courtyard. A second-hand book market as well as chess players can be seen inside.