King Richard III Visitor Centre
More than 500 years after the death of the last English king to die in battle, the story of one of history’s most controversial monarchs has been brought to life once again in a stunning new visitor centre.
King Richard III – who was slain at Bosworth Field in 1485, brought back to Leicester and buried in a makeshift grave which lay lost for centuries – once again takes centre stage at this new exhibition.
The centre, entitled ‘King Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery,' guides visitors through the dramatic story of the king's life, brutal death and the fascinating story of his rediscovery. Told through state-of-the-art interactive displays and demonstrations and colourful hands-on exhibits.
‘Dynasty’ tells the much debated story of the king’s life and times in a medieval England racked by decades of fighting in the Wars Of The Roses, detailing Richard’s rise to power as the last king from the great house of Plantagenet.
‘Death’ gives visitors the chance to learn about the key players in the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down in the thick of battle whilst defending his crown. This remarkable turn of events saw Henry VII seize the crown and ushered in a new chapter in the English monarchy: the Tudor dynasty.
Finally, ‘Discovery’ unearths the astonishing story of the archaeology, science and painstaking analysis that led to the rediscovery and identification of the long-lost remains of the king after excavating a grave beneath a car park which was the former site of the medieval friary of the Grey Friars. Completing the visitor experience will be a chance to visit the site of King Richard’s grave, preserved in a quiet, respectful setting and with a contemplative atmosphere fitting for the last resting place of a slain warrior and anointed monarch.
This film was produced by External Relations, University of Leicester.
Filmed & Edited by Carl Vivian
Produced by Amy Cory
Leicester's New King Richard III Visitor Centre Opens
Original Post Date: 26 July 2014
Today saw the opening of the much anticipated King Richard III visitor centre in Leicester. The £4million centre was opened this morning by Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby, surrounded by a crowd of excited visitors and characters dressed in medieval costumes, knight on stilts, Jesters and the Leicester Town Crier.
The exhibition which is called Dynasty, Death and Discovery examines the King's life and the myths surrounding him, as well as the archaeological dig which uncovered his remains in a Leicester car park two years ago.
The centre has already attracted global interest with people from around the world booking tickets online. Among the first visitors this morning were a family from Holland holidaying in the UK, speaking to Pukaar News she said I came from Holland to see your English history, but this is, what we say in Holland, the top of the cake, its is the most interesting thing we've seen so far
Another visitor from Spain said I think it is very good and interesting, I had read in Spain that they had found this king in a car park, and I was very curious and it is very interesting, I really like it
One lady from market Harborough was very impressed.
I think its absolutely marvellous, really wonderful, obviously its the first time I've been, and I'm surprised its as lovely as it is and very well laid out I feel
you really don't need to know anything about Richard III when you arrive here, the story is revealed to you, I am very pleased I've come
About 1,000 tickets were sold for the official opening, with more available on the door.
The city council hopes the centre will attract 100,000 visitors a year.
The centre located on Peacock Lane, Leicester, is a Victorian Gothic building which has been completely renovated inside and out to provide two floors of exhibition space, a courtyard café, shop and meeting rooms.
Tickets for the King Richard III Visitor Centre have been on sale since Thursday 5th June from kingrichardiiivisitorcentre.com Prices start at just £4.75 for a child’s ticket (three to 15 years), with adult tickets costing £7.95. Family tickets will give entry to two adults and two children for the discounted price of just £21.50. A special rate of £7.00 per person will be available to groups of 15 or more. A concessionary rate of £7.00 will also be available.
King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester UK.
King Richard III
Killed in battle in 1485.
His remains were lost for centuries.
Only to be discovered in a car park in Leicester.
King Richard III Exhibition Visitor Centre Dynasty Death And Discovery Leicester
King Richard III Exhibition Visitor Centre Dynasty Death And Discovery & Leicester Cathedral, Leicester, Leicestershire, England, United Kingdom
Over 80,000 Visitors Flock to Richard III Visitor Centre in First Year
Original Post Date: 24 July 2015
This weekend the King Richard III Visitor Centre is officially one year old, and since opening on 26th July 2014, has welcomed 81,627 visitors, with a further 3,000 visitors attending corporate events.
Visitors have come from as far away as Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand and The Bahamas.
Visitor Centre Director, Iain Gordon said: “We have been thrilled with the response to the Centre over the past year.
“We tell an incredible story at the Visitor Centre and the team have really enjoyed sharing that story with so many people from all over the world, as well as many local residents. It is due largely to the efforts of the team that we have received so much positive feedback.
“As well as tourists and local visitors, we are gaining momentum as an attraction and developing a good reputation within the schools and groups market, who generally plan visits well in advance and are now visiting in increasing numbers.
“The Centre has won a number of national and international awards in both tourism and architecture sectors, with Lonely Planet naming us one of the world’s hottest new experiences in 2015.”
Leicester City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “When this stunning building was first purchased, we didn’t yet know for sure if the remains discovered nearby were indeed those of King Richard.
“The subsequent transformation from derelict grammar school to cutting edge visitor centre was astonishing, and it is now a real landmark in the city’s cathedral quarter.
“I’m delighted that it has proven to be so successful, which is a credit to the trust which run it, and the staff who help ensure the tens of thousands of visitors who have passed through its doors have had a truly memorable experience.”
Martin Traynor, Chairman of the King Richard III Visitor Centre Board of Trustees commented: “The Board are very pleased with the results from the Visitor Centre during its first year of operation.
“Visitor numbers are a key business measure but it is equally as important to recognise and acknowledge the Centre’s other achievements. The Visitor Centre is essentially a start-up business and to be profitable within the first eight months of operation is outstanding. This can be attributed to its immediate popularity and the unparalleled coverage in the media, particularly during reinterment however, the good retail offering has also played a big part in this. Also contributing is the development of the Centre as a venue for corporate entertainment and conferences.
“As a Board, we are very optimistic about the future development of the Centre.”
Within a month of opening the Visitor Centre welcomed over 10,000 visitors and by the end of 2014, that number stood at 30,000.
During the period of reinterment, in March, the Visitor Centre welcomed over 8,000 people, including those who visited as part of the Leicester Glows event. In addition, approximately 2,000 people visited the Centre shop to make purchases, without visiting the exhibition.
Nearly 1650 school children and students have visit the Centre since opening, in 65 separate visits. This includes organised groups of home educated children and university students.
The overall majority of schools visiting are from Leicester and Leicestershire. The groups visiting from further afield tend to be from secondary schools, who take the opportunity to visit other attractions in the area, including Bosworth Battlefield.
The Visitor Centre shop currently stocks nearly 160 products and since opening has sold nearly 57,000 souvenirs.
The Visitor Centre has hosted 75 events, welcoming over 3,000 guests.
The Visitor Centre has recruited over 50 volunteers, who have contributed 2,600 hours to the Visitor Centre.
Richard III visitor centre, Leicester
Battle of Bosworth
King Richard III remains found, scientists say
Archeologists in Britain say they've uncovered the remains of long-lost royalty, King Richard III. Mark Phillips reports.
Richard III - Identifying the Remains
- Richard III Educational Resources
Dr Turi King from the University of Leicester's Department of Genetics and Dr Jo Appleby from the University's School of Archaeology and Ancient History discuss the scientific processes and techniques which will be applied to the skeleton found under a council car park in September 2012, techniques which will subsequently confirm the remains as those of King Richard III.
This film was produced by External Relations, University of Leicester.
Filmed & Edited by Carl Vivian
King Richard III Visitor Centre, Leicester, on Opening Day 26/7/14.
Slideshow of photos I took at the new King Richard III Visitor Centre - Dynasty Death And Discovery. I was fortunate enough to be one of the first visitors through the doors! A truly amazing experience including a chance to visit the actual grave site where the remains of Richard III were found. I highly recommend a visit to everyone as it appeals to all age groups and kids will love the educational hands-on interactive displays. Beautifully done, everything is laid out to make it easy to learn more about the story of Richard III.
4 Million Pound King Richard III Visitor Centre set to open
The doors of a new Richard III visitor centre opened to members of the public.
The attraction offers access to the former monarch’s burial site, under a council car park, where our archaeologists first uncovered his skeletal remains in August 2012.
The centre, called Dynasty, Death and Discovery, will tell the king’s story in three parts, through displays, interactive audio-visual elements, and exhibits.
‘Dynasty’ tells the much debated story of the king’s life and times in a medieval England racked by decades of fighting in the Wars Of The Roses, detailing Richard’s rise to power as the last king from the great house of Plantagenet.
‘Death’ gives visitors the chance to learn about the key players in the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down in the thick of battle while defending his crown.
‘Discovery’ unearths the astonishing story of the archaeology, science and analysis carried out by our academics, who rediscovered and identified the long-lost remains of the king after excavating a grave beneath a car park, on the former site of the medieval friary of the Grey Friars.
Located in the former Alderman Newton School in Peacock Lane, the centre is also close to Leicester Cathedral, which was last month confirmed as the final resting place for the royal bones following a lengthy legal battle.
Richard III Visitor Centre opens in Leicester
After hundreds of years buried - feared lost - King Richard the third has a new visitor centre in Leicester. Not only does it mark his life and legacy, but the exact spot where he was discovered. It was officially opened this morning, and the first wave of visitors were let in. Emily Anderson was among them.
King Richard III Visitor Centre ready to be opened
The doors of a new Richard III visitor centre opened to members of the public.
The attraction offers access to the former monarch’s burial site, under a council car park, where our archaeologists first uncovered his skeletal remains in August 2012.
The centre, called Dynasty, Death and Discovery, will tell the king’s story in three parts, through displays, interactive audio-visual elements, and exhibits.
‘Dynasty’ tells the much debated story of the king’s life and times in a medieval England racked by decades of fighting in the Wars Of The Roses, detailing Richard’s rise to power as the last king from the great house of Plantagenet.
‘Death’ gives visitors the chance to learn about the key players in the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down in the thick of battle while defending his crown.
‘Discovery’ unearths the astonishing story of the archaeology, science and analysis carried out by our academics, who rediscovered and identified the long-lost remains of the king after excavating a grave beneath a car park, on the former site of the medieval friary of the Grey Friars.
Located in the former Alderman Newton School in Peacock Lane, the centre is also close to Leicester Cathedral, which was last month confirmed as the final resting place for the royal bones following a lengthy legal battle.
How King Richard III Remains Were Discovered and Confirmed
The remains of King Richard III are being reburied tomorrow in Leicester thanks to science and a Canadian descendant of the king.
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Richard III visitor centre, Leicester
Richard III visitor centre, Leicester
A display of halberds, the weapon that was likely to have caused the biggest injury to Richard's skull
Richard III visitor centre, Leicester
The grave site
Preview of new King Richard III Visitor Centre
Original Post Date: 22 July 2014
Short preview of Leicester's latest attraction, King Richard III Visitor Centre. The new centre opens to the public on Saturday.
The new King Richard III visitor centre: Dynasty, Death and Discovery is located just 100 steps away from Leicester Cathedral where King Richard III will be reburied in spring 2015.
The centre is expected to attract more than 100,000 people through its doors in its first year of operation, bringing in an estimated £4.5 million to the local economy.
Ian Gordon, Director of the visitor centre said, we are looking forward to welcoming people from Leicester, and from all over the world, to learn more about the dramatic story of the King's life, his brutal death at Bosworth Battlefield and the compelling story of his rediscovery.
The King Richard III Visitor centre, will tell the king’s story in three parts, through displays, interactive audio-visual elements, and colourful exhibits.
‘Dynasty’ tells the story of the king’s life and times in a medieval England racked by decades of fighting in the Wars Of The Roses, detailing Richard’s rise to power as the last king from the great house of Plantagenet. ‘Death’ gives visitors the chance to learn about the key players in the Battle of Bosworth and how betrayal led to the king being cut down in the thick of battle while defending his crown.
This remarkable turn of events saw Henry VII seize the crown and ushered in a new chapter in the English monarchy: the Tudor dynasty.
‘Discovery’ unearths the story of the archaeology, science and analysis carried out by the University of Leicester’s Archaeological Service, which rediscovered and identified the long-lost remains of the king after excavating a grave beneath a car park, on the former site of the medieval friary of the Grey Friars.
After completing the visitor experience there is a chance to visit the site of King Richard’s burial site, preserved in a quiet, respectful setting and with a contemplative atmosphere fitting for the last resting place of a slain warrior and anointed monarch.
Visitors are also able to see a full-size, 3D replica skeleton created by Loughborough University. Scientists used CT scan data provided by Leicester University as part of their analysis of the King’s bones to create the 3D replica, which shows the king’s spinal curvature and the battle wounds he suffered at Bosworth.
Leicester’s City Mayor Peter Soulsby commissioned the creation of the visitor centre in the former Alderman Newton’s School, which is located just yards from the car park where the king’s remains were unearthed in August 2012. “A huge amount of work has gone into transforming this historic building into what will be a world-class visitor attraction, and Leicester is ready to welcome visitors from home and abroad to enjoy it.”
Located on Peacock Lane, Leicester, the Victorian gothic building has been completely renovated inside and out to provide two floors of exhibition space, a courtyard café, shop and meeting rooms.
Tickets for the King Richard III Visitor Centre have been on sale since Thursday 5th June from kingrichardiiivisitorcentre.com Prices start at just £4.75 for a child’s ticket (three to 15 years), with adult tickets costing £7.95. Family tickets will give entry to two adults and two children for the discounted price of just £21.50. A special rate of £7.00 per person will be available to groups of 15 or more. A concessionary rate of £7.00 will also be available.
Plans Unveiled for Richard III Visitor Centre
Today plans were unveiled for the Richard III Visitor Centre, which is due to open this summer following the unearthing of the infamous king's body in a Leicester car park.
Designer Philip Songhurst offered a teaser of the exhibition, titled 'Richard III: Dynasty, Death and Discovery', and he showed how visitors will be taken on a journey through the king's life, reign, and battlefield death 528 years ago, as well as the fascinating search for his remains that gripped the city and the world.
The centre will be an excellent cultural site for the local community, bringing profound economic benefits, as it is expected that visitors will travel from afar. Mr Songhurst expressed that This is a story of worldwide importance, so to be involved with it is a complete and absolute honour.
Mr Songhurst works for Image Makers, who have been commissioned by Leicester City Council to make sure there is authenticity, with the correct historical details, as well as beautifully designed and effective displays that people would want to look at, and learn from.
Work is currently underway to transform the Leicester Grammar School into the £4million venue, overlooking the king's gravesite. These developments will be overseen by a Board of Trustees, who will take over from Leicester City Council later this year. The project's visuals will be seen across the city in the coming months to promote the Richard III story.
The stunning preliminary images of the project depicted a ground floor level that will focus on the king's history, highlighting his achievements and exploring the tragic loss of his wife and son. Plans were also revealed for the first floor, the section of the centre that will illustrate the ground-breaking science and technology behind the body's rediscovery, featuring an imitation scanner and reproduction bones.
There will be multiple interactive displays, giving visitors the chance to get involved throughout the exhibition.
The Mayor of Leicester Peter Soulsby was present, and said that Today is an opportunity for us to look at how the visitor centre is developing and to show off some of the work that is being done.
He has been blown away by the tremendously creative work that's being done as part of the exhibition, adding that it will bring so many people and so much opportunity to the city.
It is hoped that the visitor centre will attract interest from all over the world, as people clamour to see the site of the rediscovered king who will continue to be remembered in Leicester for years to come.
Richard III visitor centre, Leicester
This shows in my opinion why he was unpopular with his peers and why they betrayed him at the Battle of Bosworth
Richard III visitor centre, Leicester