Bosworth does not seem to have been much disturbed by the famous Battle of Bosworth which in 1485 was fought some two miles away on the rising ground between the villages of Shenton and Sutton Cheney. The Battle was the culmination of the long drawn-out Wars of the Roses. It was on this battlefield that King Richard III met his death so brutally. In consequence the House of Plantagenet was replaced by the House of Tudor when the Earl of Richmond took the throne as Henry VII, and the 22nd of August 1485 is indeed one of the most significant dates in English history. It was the last occasion when the Crown changed hands on the field of battle and it saw the last charge by mounted knights led by the King in person, the end of chivalry.
Richard III ruled for only three years, but proved himself a wise statesman. There is a large amount of evidence to suggest he was a pious and kindly monarch, although he was described as a usurper and child-killer by Tudor historians who did everything possible to discredit his memory. It has never been proved that he instigated the death of the Princes in the Tower or even if they were actually murdered.
In 1974 the site of the Battle was opened for the first time to the
public by the Leicestershire
County Council who, with the agreement and co-operation of the local farmers and
landowners, set up a Visitor Centre interpreting the Battle at Ambion Hill Farm, and way
marked footpaths which traverse the Battlefield, with information boards and signs
explaining the course of events. One footpath passes the noted "King Dicks Well"
- a spring with a cairn built in 1813, which hitherto had been the only visible reminder
of the Battle.
As well as Shenton Station, there are five car parks with picnic areas linked to the
footpath network and it is easy to plan long or short walks according to taste. The spot
where Richard fell has been marked with a memorial stone and plaque. It is known as King
Richard's Field, a quiet green area where Richard's banner is often flown.
In the Battlefield Visitor Centre you will find an
exhibition hall, model room, film theatre and gift shop. The displays feature battle
models, replica armour, shields and flags which, coupled with a variety of slide and film
shows, help the visitor to understand what happened on that memorable day in 1485. The
gift shop has a wide range of booklets, maps and souvenirs - many of which are unique to
Bosworth Field.
The Battlefield is open at all times during daylight hours throughout the year, by the
clearly marked system of footpaths. The Battlefield Centre is open every day, during the
afternoons, between Easter and the end of October. Special events, such as re-enacted
battles and demonstrations, being held during the summer months.
How to Get to the Visitor Centre from the Shenton Station
If you wish to visit the Battlefield Centre take the path up Ambion Hill behind the Station. It will take you about 15 minutes at a comfortable walking pace to reach the centre at the top of the hill, an approximate distance of 1/2 mile or 0.8km.
Bosworth Battlefield Offical Web Site
Bosworth Battlefield Centre
Telephone 01455 290 429
Fax 01455 292 841
Email bosworth@leics.gov.uk