Did your ancestors fight for Richard III?
Bosworth Battlefield, run by Leicestershire County Council, is celebrating its 525th anniversary by launching an international search for the descendants of those who fought at the battle on 22nd August 1485.
The battle, which was the final chapter in the bloody episode in English history known as the Wars of the Roses, saw the end of Plantagenet rule and the birth of the all powerful Tudor dynasty.
Accounts of the battle suggest there were 12,000 – 16,000 men fighting for King Richard, 5,000 fighting for Henry Tudor and 5,000 – 7,000 in the army of the Stanleys.
One member of the public, James Orrell, has already traced his family tree back to the Battle of Bosworth and discovered that his ancestor, Ralph Orrell of Turton, Lancashire, was involved in the Battle of Bosworth on the side of Henry Tudor. Other names associated with the battle are listed on the Bosworth Battlefield website and include those that fought for both Richard and Henry.
Curator of Bosworth Battlefield, Richard Knox says:
We have a list of names of men who fought at the battle from sources, including the Italian historian Polydore Vergil, but we know very little else about them. We would love to hear from families who believe their ancestors are connected to the battle and start to add some flesh to the bones of the Bosworth story.
Some of the key families with traceable connections to the Battle of Bosworth will be invited to attend the spectacular re-enactment to mark the 525th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of August.
The event will see hundreds of medieval re-enactors from The Wars of the Roses Federation bringing history to life as Kings, knights, archers and soldiers come face to face to recreate this decisive and bloody battle that saw the death of King Richard III and the birth of the all powerful Tudor Dynasty.
The spectacular two day event will also include a thrilling jousting tournament, majestic falconry displays, skill-at-arms, guided walks, medieval market, living history encampment, expert talks, children’s activities and the chance to meet King Richard III himself.
The Battle of Bosworth Anniversary Re-enactment Weekend is on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August from 10.00am – 5.30pm. Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is run by Leicestershire County Council and includes a new exhibition telling the story of the Battle and looking at its impact on British history, which has been funded by an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Advanced tickets for Bosworth’s biggest event of the year are on sale now. For further details, please visit the website or call 01455 290 429.
- Address: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, Nr Market Bosworth, CV13 OAD
- Telephone: 01455 290 429
- Web: www.bosworthbattlefield.com
