News Archive 2017

16th January - Richard III's Book of Hours online

The Book of Hours known to have belonged to Richard III has now been digitised and is online so that anyone an look at in full and not just the page with the well-known picture of the Annunciation. Also, part of the digitisation, is a copy of the book by the Society’s Anne Sutton and Livia Visser-Fuchs which gives a detailed commentary about the Book, its origin and its contents.

The work was done under the auspices of Leicester Cathedral, where Richard’s book was used during the service of Reinterment in March 2015. We are most grateful to the Cathedral for doing the work and to Lambeth Palace Library, where the Book is usually kept, for allowing it.

Our thanks also go to Anne and Livia for their permission to add their work to complete the presentation.

In order to facilitate the digitisation, the Society gave a donation to help defray the costs.

Richard III’s Book of Hours can be seen on http://leicestercathedral.org/about-us/richard-iii/book-hours

Please wait until pages are fully loaded, else they can look somewhat distorted.

3rd February - Membership Card Discounts

Following the introduction of new-style membership cards last December, various organisations and locations have been approached regarding the possibility of giving Society members a discount on the entry fee. Currently, the following locations will give discounts on production of the new-style card:

• Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle: discounted rate of £7 per person for groups of 12 or more.
• Ludlow Castle: discount of 10% for groups of 10 or more.
• Sudeley Castle: individual discount of 20%, We have been informed that they will also be adding to a section about Eleanor Talbot/Boteler to their Richard III Exhibition this year.
• York Archaeological Trust: Barley Hall & Richard III & Henry VII Experiences: individual discounts of 15%.
• King Richard III Visitor Centre: Leicester individual discount of 25%, Offer valid from 1st March 2017.
• Haddon Hall: 10% discount on full ticket prices.

Further updates will appear on the Society’s website and in later Bulletins. For members’ information, English Heritage and National Trust do not offer discounts other than to their own members.

9th February - British History's Biggest Fibs

A review by Matthew Lewis

The first episode of Lucy Worsley’s new series, British History’s Greatest Fibs, dealt with the foundation myth of the Tudor dynasty that crafted the popular view of the Wars of the Roses that endures to this day, begun by Henry VII after his victory at Bosworth and set into stone by Shakespeare over a hundred years later.

Beginning with the myth of the Black Pudding and Yorkshire Pudding slinging Battle of Stubbins, the episode takes the viewer through the apocalyptic events at Towton to debunk the belief that England spent thirty two years solidly on a war footing when in fact the conflict probably boiled down to around thirteen weeks of campaigning and fighting. The gruesome injuries visible on the skulls of those killed at Towton serve to underline the brutality of that day, but also the exceptional nature of such a vast confrontation.

Examinations of contemporary documents such as the de la Pole genealogy roll, a compendium of poetry and prose once owned by Edward IV and the Rous Roll help to explain the swift evolution both of Richard III as a villain and of Henry VII as a saviour and the force for unity he needed to portray himself as. The story of the Tudor saving of England grows as the Tudor rose takes on an iconic brand identity that remains strong today and shows the success of the myth building. Shakespeare’s handle on the politics of the late Elizabethan period explains his use of the Wars of the Roses  to expose the threat of civil war that accompanied the looming succession crisis.

The programme was not perfect. Aimed at busting myths and exploding fibs, it managed to create one of its own, explaining that Edward IV won his crown in 1471. The Wars of the Roses was described as consisting of about eight battles when seventeen are in fact recorded. The focus on the establishment of the Tudor dynasty’s foundation myth and in particular the role of the Tudor rose left little room for dispelling specific fibs and the chance to confront misconceptions was passed over or sidestepped a little too often. The focus on various portrayals of Shakespeare’s Richard III is not used to question the received perception of the man but rather to perpetuate it. The Princes in the Tower are left killed by their tyrannical uncle and the discovery of Richard’s scoliosis is used to suggest that the traditional portrayal of him may not be that far from the truth, a sad recitation of an historical fib that was ripe for busting.

The programme concludes by discussing the long standing rivalry between Ricardians and Tudor supporters in the shadow of the statue of King Richard III between Leicester Cathedral and the Richard III Visitor Centre with the founder of the Henry Tudor Society. Does there really have to be a goodie and a baddie? That seems like buying the Tudor version of events. The final disappointment is that the Richard III Society was not invited to contribute to the countering of the period’s fibs, even at this part of the programme, demonstrating the astonishing success of the Tudor version of the Wars of the Roses that remains strong to this day and still defies deconstruction.

A complete version of this review can be found here.

British History’s Biggest Fibs – Episode 1 – The Wars of the Roses – is available to view on BBC iPlayer.

More from Matthew Lewis:

• The Wars of the Roses: The Key Players in the Struggle for Supremacy is available from the Society Shop.
• Richard, Duke of York, King by Right is available from all good book stores and from amazon.co.uk

Special Event to Commemorate Richard III on Sunday 19th March in Market Bosworth

In 2015 Market Bosworth felt very privileged to be a key resting place on the last journey of the mortal remains of King Richard III to their reburial in Leicester Cathedral. That special event, on 22nd March, attracted many thousands of people to view the funeral cortege as it passed through the village which was bedecked with banners, bunting and shields in honour of the king. Thanks to the hard work of a small number of local people, the event, and in particular the sale of 1485 porcelain white roses, resulted in a small financial surplus being available for community use. Inspired by the legacy of the 22nd March event, the Parish Council together with the village’s Richard III steering group, decided to use the fund primarily to commission an artwork to be installed in the Market Place. In addition to the village’s Richard III funds, the commemoration has been supported by Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council and the input of a small number of local volunteers. The artwork will be dedicated by the Rector of Market Bosworth, Rev. Mark Poskitt, Richard Smith and Sally Henshaw representing the Richard III Society and Councillor Richard Allen the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council on 19th March.

The artwork has been crafted by local specialist stone sculptor, Damian Witty. Some images of Damian making the artwork are shown. Apart from the text around the stone the centre will portray a white rose. The artwork will be officially revealed at 3.30pm as part of a medieval themed event in the Market Place. Captain Mortimer and his reenactors will be there, plus the award winning Hawkwise from the Battlefield Centre, medieval music, a special mobile cinema, Bosworth Battlefield retail stall, the community choir and much more. It is planned that bunting and floral displays in the colours of Richard III will be hung around the Square, and white roses will decorate shop windows.

The events are free, and commence at 1pm, concluding at 5pm.

26th March - Richard III Events in Leicester for reburial weekend 2017

Details have just been announced of events marking the anniversary of the reburial.

There will be a Choral Evensong at Leicester Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday 26th March. Representatives of the Richard III Society will be taking part in the service. Service details.

The Richard III Visitor Centre, 4A St Martin’s Leicester, LE1 5DB Tel: 0300 300 0900 will be holding a Question and Answer session with Philippa Langley at 10.00am on Saturday 25th March. The price for this is £10. The event is due to be launched on Monday and should appear on the Richard III Visitor Centre website.

It is also understood that Philippa Langley will be opening the Belmont Hotel’s new Richard III bedroom at lunchtime on Friday 24th March. Philippa will also be hosting a dinner on the evening of Saturday 25th March. Further details of these events and a weekend package can be obtained.

18th March - Website Homepage is Changiing!

For the past two years, the Homepage of the website has displayed three images relating to that momentous week in March 2015 when King Richard III was laid to rest in Leicester Cathedral. From April 2017, after the anniversary of his reburial in March, this is due to change. During April, we will feature any pictures that are taken during the memorial events or services which take place on the anniversary of the reburial in March 2017.

The image of the tomb will still remain on the Home Page, but will change location within the page and still provide a link to the Reburial Diary and events.

After that, the plan is to change the main images on a regular basis. The idea behind this is to begin to show pictures related to events throughout Richard’s lifetime, and not just in connection with his reburial. These will be images of places, surviving buildings, memorials, research projects or other events which commemorate different times in his life, either as Duke of Gloucester or as king. If you would like to see any particular event remembered, or share your pictures of any favourite building or memorial related to Richard’s life featured prominently on the Home Page, please email Sharon Lock, Communications Manager (comms@richardiii.net) for more information on how to get involved.

20th March 2017 - Reburial Anniversary 2017 Statement

Society Chairman Phil Stone writes: ‘Sunday 25th March is the second anniversary of the reburial of the remains of King Richard and it will be marked by a special service of Evensong in Leicester Cathedral, during which flowers will be placed at the tomb. The finding and reburial of the remains of the king will always be one of the major achievements of the Richard III Society and it is fitting that we remember it, especially in the place where he lies at peace, a place of honour, a place of sanctity, adorned with the banners and heraldry he would have recognised as his own. As we remember the reburial, let us remember Richard III, King of England and France and Lord of Ireland, as a man of integrity, as a law giver, as a man who cared for his subjects and those who had his trust. Also, as we remember the reburial, giving Richard III the honour and dignity denied him in 1485, let us not forget those others who died on Bosworth Field. For most their names are lost, but they were men like us. As we remember them, let us hope and pray that one day, the world will see an end to war and conflict, a time when man may no longer have to die for a cause.’

24th March 2017 - Richard III themed family bedroom

On Friday 24th March, Philippa Langley MBE cut the ribbon to officially open a new Richard III themed family bedroom at the Belmont Hotel in Leicester. The room is decorated in muted colours and features both a Graham Turner print of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth as well as a copy of the traditional 16th century portrait which belongs to the National Portrait Gallery.

Accompanied by the Lord Mayor of Leicester, Stephen Corrall and Jamie Bowie the owner of the hotel, Philippa said ‘I am incredibly honoured to be opening the Richard III themed room at the Belmont as it is my ‘home away from home’ in Leicester. I stayed at the hotel for the dig and discovery, the identification and the reburial. As a result, it is mentioned in the account of my seven and a half year search for the king in the car park in ‘The King’s Grave: The Search for Richard III’. I hope the themed room will help increase interest in this much maligned monarch for the many visitors to the hotel so that they too may wish to discover more about him, and so that they too can enjoy a really friendly and family run hotel!’

Philippa also stayed in the room herself during her stay in Leicester over the reinterment weekend.

28th April - Society Research Blog Launched

The Research Committee have set up a blog to help share knowledge of recent research into the life and times of Richard III. It is for both Ricardians and anyone interested in the fifteenth century. The first post (‘Buried Treasures’) relates to the burials of Richard’s siblings at Fotheringhay church as well as to one of Cecily Duchess of York’s books, and the latest post, ‘The Myth of Joan of York.’

Bowes Museum Talk

Richard III and historical enthusiasts are invited to a varied programme of talks called Richard III and the Wider World at The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham. The event will be looking at the Northern attitudes towards the king; 15th century Netherlands; dress of differing social levels in medieval society, and continental art at the royal court.

Date: 28th June 2017

Time: 10.30 – 3.00

Cost: £3.00 inc light refreshments

Booking is required.

Tel: 01833 690606

Website: www.thebowesmuseum.org.uk/Whats-on/Events/PgrID/1490/PageID/5

2nd June Society Sponsorship - Middleham Celebrates Richard III

On Friday 30th June, before the festival celebrating Richard’s life and connections with Middleham, there will be a special event for local school children. Three schools are participating in an Education Day which will involve a range of displays and interactive sessions including candle making, cooking and archery. The day also includes a short church service for Richard III. We are very pleased to announce that the Society will be sponsoring the coach transport which will take the local children to and from the event on the day. The festival begins with a concert at St Mary’s and St Alkelda’s Church on Friday evening and continues over the weekend during Saturday and Sunday 1-2 July. Tickets and further information on other talks and events are available from the Middleham Key Centre on 01969 624411.

2nd June - Richard III Book of Hours on display

King Richard’s ‘Book of Hours’ which was last seen as part of the ceremony when the king was reburied in March 2015 is now on display as part of an exhibition called Battles and Dynasties in Lincoln. Along with many other historical artefacts, including the Domesday Book it will be on display until 3rd September 2017. For more information about the exhibition please visit The Collection Museum’s website.

Summer - Bosworth Battlefield Summer Events

Events taking place at Bosworth this summer, remember members of the Society receive a 20% discount on standard admission tickets to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre on production of their membership card.

Guided Walks – Weekends and Bank Holidays year round at 11.30am & 2pm.

Join one of Bosworth’s experienced Guides for an informative 2 km guided walk exploring the Battle of Bosworth, the death of King Richard III and the unlikely victory of Henry Tudor. This is a great way to learn about the Battle of Bosworth. Adult £4.50, Concession £4, Child £3.

Bosworth Medieval Festival, 19th & 20th August all day

This is a great full day family event with not just the battle re-enactment, but jousting a medieval market, children’s games, large living history encampment, author talks and book signings, entry to the award-winning exhibition, FREE car parking and lots more too.

An early bird discount of 20% is available on the first 500 tickets for the Medieval Festival, which includes the annual re-enactment of the Battle of Bosworth children’s activities, living history, music, jousting and cannon and gunfire displays.

Tickets can be purchased as follows:

1. by phone on 01455 290429, for which a £2 per transaction booking fee applies.
2. in person at the Heritage Centre Ticket Office, which is open daily 10.00am-5.00pm, or
3. online at online

There will also be a number of talks as part of the Festival on

1. The Trial of Richard III: You Decide
2. William Marshall from Hostage to Regent: An Extraordinary Life
3. The Missing Princes Project & HRH
4. Tudor: The Family Story

Dissolution: Monasteries to Mansions Talk 19th July

Join Peter Liddle for this talk in the Heritage Room at Bosworth Battlefield.

Abbeys and priorities were an important part of the fabric of medieval society, in the 1530s they were swept away as Henry VIII broke with Rome and Thomas Cromwell dissolved the houses.

In this illustrated talk Peter Liddle will examine what impact this had on Leicestershire sites, both the religious houses themselves and their grange farms, with case studies of the process at Leicester Abbey, Grace Dieu and Launde, where Cromwell himself acquired the property.

Tickets £6 – Pre booking recommended by calling 01455 290429 or at online

The Path to Bosworth Field Walk – 2nd September

Experienced walkers with a penchant for history can join expert Guides and enjoy Bosworth Battlefield’s extended 7.5 mile (12 km) walk. Providing all aspects of the environment surrounding this pivotal battle of the Wars of the Roses. No dogs. Please provide your own lunch and refreshments. For experienced walkers over 12 years only. Adults £17 Concessions £12. Booking essential – book online or call 01455 290429 to book your tickets now.

Details of all walks, talks and events can be found on their website.

Summer - John Ashdown-Hill

As John is no longer able to take bookings for talks, he has added updated versions of some of his Powerpoint presentations on his website where you can download them to view.

July - Richard III in Leicester Cathedral *Update*

Come what may, the performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III in Leicester Cathedral will go ahead. However, the Dean has asked the Society to supply an information sheet which can be placed on seats for every member of the audience. Consequently, the Society has provided something which points out that the real Richard III was a very different man to the one they are about to see on the stage. They will be printed off and distributed by the Cathedral authorities at no cost to the Society. A copy of the information sheet provided by the Society can be viewed here.

August - Bosworth Commemorations 2017

On Saturday 19th August 2017 at 5.30pm, Choral Evensong at Leicester Cathedral will commemorate the anniversary of the death of Richard III. There will be white rose petals scattered at the graveside in the Richard III Visitor Centre and white roses laid at the statue. The Society Chairman, Dr Phil Stone, will lay white roses at the tomb. The banners that stand beside the king’s tomb will lead the procession carried by members of the Leicestershire Branch of the Richard III Society.

Refreshments will be served after the service and the Cathedral will remain open to visitors until 7.30pm. All are welcome.

There will be a Rose Laying Ceremony at Bosworth Battlefield on Tuesday 22nd August 2017 at 11.00am-12.00pm. The ceremony will take place at the Bosworth Sundial Memorial to remember all those that died on both sides of the Battle of Bosworth, Richard Smith, Chairman of the Leicestershire Branch will say a few words on behalf of the Society Chairman, Dr Phil Stone.

Membership Renewal Reminder

Members are reminded that subscription renewals become due on 2nd October 2017. If you pay by standing order, please remember to update the amount payable in line with the new subscription rates:

• Full member: £29
• Senior member*: £22
• Student*: £22
• Junior*: £12
• Family: £35
• Senior Family*: £28
• Schools: £35

The overseas postage supplement applicable to all non-UK residents is £13.

*Senior members are 60 or over; Senior Family members all over 60; Juniors are under 18; and Students are 18+ and in full time education.

October - Wreath Laying - 2nd October

Clifton Martin of the Richard III Society laid a wreath on King Richard’s tomb this morning to commemorate the King’s birth on 2nd October 1452.