King Richard III in &

Day 1

CITY OF LEICESTER St Martin's Centre, Peacock Lane, Leicester Welcome to Leicester with tea, coffee, refreshments and welcome talk Originally built in 1877, St Martin’s Centre is a stunning Grade II listed former Grammar School with an elegant mix of period features with contemporary styling, a beautifully restored hall and several smaller meeting rooms and is the ideal welcome to the city. The centre is situated in the heart of Leicester’s Old Town next to the , Guildhall and the King Richard III Visitor Centre.

Leicester Cathedral, Guided Walk: King Richard III - The Leicester Connection This walk is organised by an accredited Blue Badge Guide and will cover the historic areas of the city relating to King Richard III’s final days in the city. The walk will last approximately 1hr 45mins.

King Richard III Visitor Centre – Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery The Visitor Centre includes a stunning display of artefacts and material found in the search for King Richard III and a medieval storyline followed by the science behind the discovery of the King. The centre is also home to a gift shop, café and a seating area within the graveside memorial garden.

Lunch

Leicester Cathedral Built on the site of a Roman temple and dedicated to St Martin of Tours, Leicester Cathedral has been embedded in the life of the local community since medieval times. There has been a major memorial to King Richard III in the Chancel of the Cathedral since 1980. This has been the focus for remembrance, particularly on the anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth. King Richard III was reinterned at Leicester Cathedral in March 2015

Evening

Medieval Banquet King Richard III Visitor Centre The evening of entertainment includes a three course medieval banquet with traditional entertainment. Expect plenty of merriment, song and dance!

Day 2

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre Bosworth is a site of national historic significance, as the location of one of the three most important battles fought on British soil. It is the site where the Battle of Bosworth took place in 1485, and infamous as the place where King Richard III lost his life and crown to Henry Tudor and where the Tudor dynasty was born. Explore the award winning exhibition giving you an insight into life as a medieval soldier, including the recent finds from the battle grounds including the new King Richard III - The Making of a Myth, an illustrative display exploring Richard's life and ultimate demise at Bosworth Field, through the striking artwork of Manga-style artist John Aggs. The exhibition offers a glimpse into the king's life and some of the myths surrounding his death and burial.

Lunch

Tythe Barn Enjoy a royal lunch at Tithe Barn, which overlooks the landscapes of the country park where the famous battle of 1485 took place.

Donington le Heath The museum is based in a Medieval Manor House dating back to 1280 and has a fascinating history with restored rooms and displays on medieval life. The upstairs bedroom in the Manor House contains King Richard III’s bed in which he is said to have slept in when staying at the White Boar Inn at Leicester before he met his fate at the Battle of Bosworth.

Additional Information

Bosworth Heritage Centre – Guided Walks With two walks offering a shorter ‘Sun-Dial’ walk or a longer, 2k guided tour, taking you around the heritage trail with in depth detail on the famous battle and the final moments before Richard fell to his death.

Falconry Displays – Bosworth Heritage Centre An opportunity to get up close and personal with these beautiful birds of prey with experienced falconers on hand to answer your questions.

King Richard III – Audio Trail Follow in the footsteps of King Richard III with this free audio tour. Characters tell the story of medieval life during the King’s stay including the various connections that Leicester and Leicestershire has with this famous King. With sounds from medieval that will instantly transport you to that bygone era. You can download the audio tour online at goleicestershire.com/Richard III, storyofleicester.info or from QR codes on interpretation panels around the city.

King Richard III – Walking Trail The Richard III Walking Trail can be purchased from Visit Leicester or at the Guildhall museum. The trail lasts approximately one hour and will take you to the blue heritage panels giving further information on each site.

Stoke Golding Church and The church of St Margaret of Antioch at Stoke Golding is believed to have assisted Henry VII’s army to sharpen their swords before the battle and where many of the dead soldiers are buried following the Battle of Bosworth. Market Bosworth is a pretty market town with independent boutique shops, cafes bars and restaurants offering bistro style dining, Italian and regular pub food.

Kirby Muxloe This picturesque fortified mansion was built for Lord Hastings, who was dramatically seized and executed by Richard III in 1483. Explore the atmospheric moated remains including the fine and a complete corner tower of this brick-built mansion. Castle was never finished because King Richard III executed the owner William, Lord Hastings, in his push for the throne in 1483.16.

Bradgate House Edward Grey's son Sir John Grey of married Elizabeth Woodville (Richard III’s sister-in- law). Their son Thomas Grey, prepared for building Bradgate House in the late fifteenth century but died before he was able to begin. It was his son Thomas Grey, who built Bradgate House, the likely completion date being 1520. This is one of the first unfortified great houses in England and one of the earliest post-Roman use of bricks. It was lived in by the Grey family for the next 220 years. It is believed that the house was the birthplace of , later Queen, ruling for a mere 9 days before being overthrown by Mary. Lady Jane Grey was executed at The Tower of London in 1553.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

CITY Ramada Encore, Leicester Built in 2011, this striking, contemporary hotel is situated within the vibrant Cultural Quarter of the city and has spacious modern bedrooms, all with a walk in shower.

College Court Set in a tranquil setting and offering a great range of facilities.

COUNTY Island Hotel, Leicestershire Hinckley Island provides the luxury facilities and service you would expect from a 4 star hotel; with free parking and WiFi, a leisure club with indoor heated pool, sauna, solarium, spa pool and fitness suite.

For further information visit: www.goleicestershire.com/groups Email: [email protected] Tel: 0116 225 4000