Leicester Mercury

History comes to life on the anniversar­y of famous battle

RE-ENACTMENTS AND EVENTS FOR THE FAMILY ALL THIS WEEK

- By NICK DAWSON nicholas.dawson@reachplc.com bosworthba­ttlefield.org.uk

FAMILIES can gen up on their Ricardian history this week and get some hands-on activities as events take place to mark the anniversar­y of the Battle of Bosworth.

The Bosworth Medieval Medley, at the Bosworth Battlefiel­d Heritage Centre, is a week-long series of activities for the whole family, with onsite and digital events to mark the 536th anniversar­y of the key battle, in which Richard III was killed.

It marked the start of the Tudor dynasty, with Henry Tudor taking the throne.

Youngsters can learn the basics of chivalry at Knight School, while themed evening guided walks and daytime family-friendly walks will be led by a costumed guide.

Visitors will also get the chance to meet and chat with heritage volunteers and follow the battle-themed QR code trail around the 1485 battlefiel­d.

County Councillor Christine Radford said: “There really is something for everyone at the Bosworth Medieval Medley, which showcases the rich heritage we have to offer.”

Online events include a craft competitio­n, a question and answer session with three authors and historians, on the role of women in the Wars of the Roses, and a chance for people to share their pictures of Bosworth Medieval Festivals from years gone by.

The event, which started on Monday, cranks up throughout the week, with a busy programme arranged for Saturday and Sunday.

Over the weekend, visitors can spend time in the living history camp, where re-enactment groups will recreate the camps of Richard III and Henry Tudor on the eve of the battle.

Living history activities will run throughout both days, and will include a DIY Battle of Bosworth in which audience members will get the chance to participat­e.

There will also be performanc­es from jester The Fool Monty, as well as table-top war gaming in the Heritage Room, a Sunday fancy dress competitio­n for children and the traditiona­l rose-laying ceremony at the sundial, at 11am on Sunday, the actual anniversar­y of the battle.

 ?? THE PRINT COLLECTOR/GETTY IMAGES ?? ART OF WAR: A depiction of Richard III and the Earl of Richmond at the Battle of Bosworth Field, on August 22, 1485. It was the last significan­t battle of the Wars of the Roses, the civil war that raged across England
THE PRINT COLLECTOR/GETTY IMAGES ART OF WAR: A depiction of Richard III and the Earl of Richmond at the Battle of Bosworth Field, on August 22, 1485. It was the last significan­t battle of the Wars of the Roses, the civil war that raged across England

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