This is Leicestershire --With its skyline of high-rise blocks, punctuated by the odd spire or tower, to visitors, initially, Leicester must seem like any other post-industrial city – not particularly pleasing or thoughtfully planned, in fact quite the opposite.
However, as we all know, the city has considerable significance in the history of England.
To our visitors, though, this may not be immediately obvious, as much of the city's history has to be hunted out.
This is where Stephen Butt's latest book, Secret Leicester, comes into its own.
"There is a history of Leicester that is hidden from view, or simply not recognised today because it is so familiar and few stop to ponder their historical significance and context," said Mr Butt.
"There are Norman and medieval arches below landmark buildings, mosaics beneath the Central Ring Road and the remains of the town's first railway station just yards away from a major hotel.
"How many travellers who park at Leicester's London Road station see the remnants of the earlier Campbell Street station? How many motorists driving along Sparkenhoe Street and over the Swain Street Bridge see the gates to the former Leicester Workhouse? How many motorists parking in the car park next to New Street recognise the retaining wall that dates, in part, to when the Church of the Greyfriars was still standing?
"How many students at De Montfort University working in the Hawthorn Building notice the arches of the 14th century church of St Mary of the Annunciation in the Newarke?
"These somewhat "secret" artefacts are the subject of this book. Behind every façade, in every street, there's a history to be discovered and a story to be told.
"However, in Leicester it is possible to uncover surprising visual evidence of our heritage, simply by opening a door or lifting a stone, or by comparing an old photo or drawing with a present one."
This richly-illustrated book includes chapters on the Newarke, Joseph Merrick (the Elephant Man), Highcross Street, St Nicholas Place and the railway. It fills a gap in Leicester's published history.
Secret Leicester, by Stephen Butt, published by Amberley Publishing, costs £14.99 and is available via local bookshops. Reported by This is 4 hours ago.