Battlefield Found! | Statement by Glenn Foard (Oct 2009) | Useful Links
For the last few hundred years the debate has raged about the true location of the Battle of Bosworth. In March 2009, a group of dedicated metal detectorists discovered evidence that would change the history books forever and open a whole new chapter in the story of the Battle of Bosworth…
The battlefield
After four years of intensive archaeology, the team have identified the area where the battle took place.
Please note: The battlefield is situated on private land and is not freely accessible to the public at the moment.
Read the full Battlefield Found story.
The origins of firepower?
 | Bosworth has yielded 30 cannonballs, which is the largest number ever to be found on a medieval battlefield site and is more than has been found at all the other European battlefields put together. These findings have changed the way historians are viewing the role of cannons in late medieval battles and there is still more research to be carried out. The cannonballs are on display in a new gallery at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre, in Leicestershire. |
The place the King fell?
Bosworth archaeologists have been looking for evidence of a medieval marsh, and have under-taken soil analysis in an attempt to locate the marsh. In March 2009 samples were sent to Bradford University and the results proved that the area, known locally as Fen Hole, was a marsh in medieval times. Historical documents and written accounts say that Richard III is said to have lost his horse in a marsh - could this be the place where Richard died?
The Bosworth Boar.
Currently away for valuation.
The Bosworth Boar is a silver-gilt livery badge depicting a boar and was recovered from the edge of Fen Hole. The Boar image was King Richard III's own personal device and would almost certainly of been worn by a Knight of King Richard's retinue. The Bosworth Boar is a vital clue in locating the site of the clash and also in pinpointing what could be the exact location where Knig Richard III died.
Crown Hill
As a result of archive and historical research over the last four years, it is now almost certain that Crown Hill, in the nearby parish of Stoke Golding, and previously the ‘anecdotal’ location where Henry was crowned after the Battle, was indeed the location where Henry became King.
The partnership between the County Council, the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, local landowners and the Battlefields Trust are working to define the boundaries of the battle over the coming months and agree a conservation plan and to ensure protection for the Battlefield for present and future generations. Battlefields have yet to receive statutory protection under law, but Leicestershire County Council knows that English Heritage is working very hard to improve safeguards and public appreciation of their significance. Jon Humble the English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments is also here today to answer questions.
Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is in the ideal place to act as the gateway to the Battlefield; the exhibition will be updated from Easter to reflect the new finds and their significance, and a trail for visitors is under development.
Leicestershire County Council would like to thank everyone who has been involved (volunteers, field workers, universities, etc). We are all immensely proud of what has been achieved.
