History & Heritage

Uncovering Leicester: The discovery 
of Richard III

Like millions of you, we were glued to our TVs earlier this week as a part of English history unfolded before our eyes. After hundreds of years of speculation as to the whereabouts of his remains, the University of Leicester confirmed that a skeleton discovered in a car park in Leicester was King Richard III. In honour of this extraordinary find, Leicester unveils its newest attractions, to help you decide for yourself the truth about one of England’s most controversial monarchs.

A replica of Richard III’s skull ©Emma Field

Richard III : Leicester’s Search for a King

From today a new, free exhibition, Richard III : Leicester’s Search for a King, opens at Leicester’s medieval Guildhall. Charting the unprecedented hunt for the remains of Richard III, this fascinating display details the excavation and explains the findings of archaeologists. It reveals scientific proof, including DNA evidence, that the bones really are those of the last Plantagenet King of England. There’s also the chance to come face to face with the former sovereign, as a replica of King Richard’s skull, made from a CT scan of the original, is on show.

Leicester Guildhall ©Maxine Clayman

You can also check out the rest of Guildhall, a Grade I Listed Building of Architectural and Historical interest that dates back to the 14th century. Just be on your best behaviour to avoid getting put in the stocks or in the Victorian holding cells.

Richard III Walking Tours

If you fancy following in King Richard’s footsteps first-hand, Leicester’s new Blue Badge Guided Walks (currently running every weekend, £3.50/£3 concessions) are a must. On the tour you’ll learn about Richard III’s connections to the city of Leicester, visiting key locations he was associated with, including the Blue Boar Inn, which is the start of the Bosworth Story. It was here, in 1485, that the former King of England spent his last night alive – it’s even said he brought his own bed with him. Whether he’d do the same today remains to be seen as the site is now a Travelodge.

King Richard III pub, close to the former site of the Blue Boar Inn, where the ill-fated monarch spent his last night ©Emma Field

Richard III – The Making of a Myth

As if that weren’t enough for history buffs, the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre has now reopened (tickets cost £7.95 for adults/ £4.75 children). As well as interactive exhibits, where we put our archery skills to the test, you can find out more about the Battle of Bosworth where Richard III was killed, putting an end to one of England’s bloodiest civil wars. We loved the new exhibition that opens today, Richard III – The Making of a Myth. It uses graphic-novel style illustrations to bring to life key events in the Richard III story, making it really easy to understand. Unbelievably, it took artist John Aggs just over two weeks to create the designs.

The graphic artist’s unique rendering of the Richard III story ©Maxine Clayman

From March onwards, the Bosworth Heritage Centre runs guided walks out into the battlefield where the final saga of the War of the Roses was fought (£4.50 adults/£3.50 children/£3.75 concessions). If you prefer to take things at a more leisurely pace then head up nearby Ambion Hill for panoramic views of the battlefield across the ridge.

Visit www.goleicestershire.com for information on King Richard III short breaks.