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Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara

The main prayer hall
  • The building the Gurdwara is in used to be a knitwear factory
  • Inside is a museum dedicated to Sikh culture
  • The Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara moved here in the 1980s after originally being on New Walk

From knitwear to prayer

Leicester's first Sikh gurdwara now occupies a building that used to be a knitwear factory. The area around the Gurdwara is known as Holy Bones, taking its name from the medieval street that led to the nearby St Nicholas Church.

Sikhs in Leicester

Sikhs have been settling in Leicester since the end of the Second World War. The first gurdwaras were in small houses and rented halls before permanent places of faith could be established. The Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara was originally set up in the 1960s on New Walk, moving into this former factory building in 1989. The Gurdwara (the residence of the guru) is not only a place of worship, but also houses a Punjabi school and library and acts as a community centre offering food, shelter and companionship to all those who need it.

Celebrating Sikh history

A museum dedicated to Sikh culture and history was set up here in 1992. It contains an impressive collection of models, including one of the Golden Temple of Amritsar, as well as paintings, photographs and artefacts relating to the history of the Sikh religion and the sacrifice and devotion of its followers.

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Gallery

The main prayer hall -
The main prayer hall
Items on display in the museum -
Items on display in the museum
A beautiful scale model of the Golden Temple in Amritsar -
A beautiful scale model of the Golden Temple in Amritsar
Portrait of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism -
Portrait of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, founder of Sikhism
The Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara exterior -
The Guru Nanak Dev Ji Gurdwara exterior
The Queen visited the Gurdwara in 2002 - Gurdwara picture archive
The Queen visited the Gurdwara in 2002
Gurdwara picture archive
Holy Bones in Victorian times - Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office
Holy Bones in Victorian times
Leicester and Leicestershire Record Office

Roman Leicester

(47- 500) A military fort was erected, attracting traders and a growing civilian community to Leicester (known as Ratae Corieltauvorum to the Romans). The town steadily grew throughout the reign of the Romans.

Medieval Leicester

(500 – 1500) The early years of this period was one of unrest with Saxon, Danes and Norman invaders having their influences over the town. Later, of course, came Richard III and the final battle of the Wars of the Roses was fought on Leicester’s doorstep.

Tudor & Stuart Leicester

(1500 – 1700) The wool trade flourished in Leicester with one local, a former mayor named William Wigston, making his fortune. During the English Civil War a bloody battle was fought as the forces of King Charles I laid siege to the town.

Georgian Leicester

(1700 – 1837) The knitting industry had really stared to take hold and Leicester was fast becoming the main centre of hosiery manufacture in Britain. This new prosperity was reflected throughout the town with broader, paved streets lined with elegant brick buildings and genteel residences.

Victorian Leicester

(1837 – 1901) The industrial revolution had a huge effect on Leicester resulting in the population growing from 40,000 to 212,000 during this period. Many of Leicester's most iconic buildings were erected during this time as wealthy Victorians made their mark on the town.

Edwardian Leicester

(1901 – 1910) Electric trams came to the streets of Leicester and increased literacy among the citizens led to many becoming politicised. The famous 1905 ‘March of the Unemployed to London’ left from Leicester market when 30,000 people came to witness the historic event.

Early 20th Century Leicester

(1910 – 1973) The diverse industrial base meant Leicester was able to cope with the economic challenges of the 1920s and 1930s. New light engineering businesses, such as typewriter and scientific instrument making, complemented the more traditional industries of hosiery and footwear manufacturing.

Modern Leicester

(1973 – present day) Industry was still thriving in the city during the 1970s, with the work opportunities attracting many immigrants from all over the world. While industry has declined in recent years, excellent transport links have made Leicester an attractive centre for many businesses. The City now has much to be proud of including its sporting achievements and the richness of its cultural heritage and diversity.

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  • Roman Leicester
  • Medieval Leicester
  • Tudor & Stuart Leicester
  • Georgian Leicester
  • Victorian Leicester
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  • Early 20th Century Leicester
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