New Walk, Leicester

In May 1785, the Corporation of Leicester launched a public subscription to defray the estimated cost of £240 to complete a public walk to St. Mary's Field (now Victoria Park), which at that time was a racecourse and general recreation ground. Work to stake out the route began immediately. It was to be 10 yards wide, more than a mile long and planted on each side with elms. It is believed that an ancient Roman trackway called the Via Devana predated the promenade and that this trackway formed the basis for the route. Although officially named Queen's Walk in honour of Queen Charlotte, it continued to be known locally as 'the new walk' – the name that was officially adopted later, at an unknown date. == References ==