Things you didn't know about... Leicestershire

The Elephant Man came from Leicestershire

Joseph Carey Merrick, better known as "The Elephant Man", was born in Leicester in 1862. He was forced to work as a child street trader, then a Leicestershire workhouse labourer, before taking a job as a sideshow attraction in 1884. His tragic story was immortalised by John Hurt in David Lynch's 1980 biopic.

Leicestershire weaves a fine reputation

Leicestershire has earned a reputation for its textiles and clothing, especially knitwear. The design HQ for Next is based in Enderby, and the design base for Asda's George Clothing is in Lutterworth. Leicestershire's De Montfort University features a design department for ladies' underwear.

Leicester outfoxes its rivals

Leicester Council and Leicester City Football Club both feature the fox as their symbol. Leicestershire is considered the birthplace of fox hunting with Quorn resident Hugo Meynell acknowledged as fox hunting's founding father. In 2002 the plant conservation charity Plantlife decreed the foxglove the county flower of Leicestershire.

Leicestershire brought the Bible to the people

Leicestershire's John Wycliffe (1329-84), Rector of Lutterworth, was the first man to translate the Bible into English.

The industrial revolution was challenged in Leicestershire

Named after Ned Ludd, a local boy apprenticed to a humble Leicestershire weaver, the Luddite movement was born in Anstey, near Leicester, in 1811. Ludd broke in and smashed two of his employer's weaving frames. His gesture was then seized on by angry anti-technology campaigners. Ever since "Luddite" has been a derogatory term hurled at people considered to be enemies of progress.

Remand of the Mack

Pop act Mark "Return of the Mack" Morrison first recorded professionally in 1995 whilst held in Leicester Prison, following his arrest and placement on remand over an alleged stabbing at the town's Krystals nightclub.

Leicester's safest hands

Leicester-born goalkeeper Peter Shilton OBE is England's most capped player. Former Liverpool star and TV pundit Alan Hansen has called Shilton "the best keeper you'll ever see".

Leicestershire, star of British cuisine

Leicestershire's contributions to English cuisine include Red Leicester and Stilton cheese, the pork pie and, of course, Walkers Crisps, promoted by local lad Gary Lineker. The East Midlands Food & Drink Festival, held in Melton Mowbray, is Britain's largest regional food festival.

From Leicestershire with love

Engelbert Humperdinck, born Arnold George Dorsey in Madras, India, moved to Leicester aged 10 before later tearing the pop charts apart with hits such as Release Me and The Last Waltz.

Leicestershire's reputation rings out across the UK

John Taylor Bellfounders Ltd of Loughborough has traded since the 14th century. In 1881 this Leicestershire institution had the honour of casting Britain's largest bell, the "Great Paul" of London's St Paul's Cathedral.

Leicestershire gave us the Blue Peter badge

Legendary Blue Peter editor Biddy Baxter MBE was born in Leicester and educated at Wyggeston Girls' Grammar School. Baxter launched the legendary Blue Peter badge, and was awarded a gold badge when she retired as editor.