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Bosworth Field

In the thirteenth century a Welshman named Owain ap Maredadd ap Tudwr ap Goronwy, known to history as Owain Tudor, caused a stir in France. Owain had joined Henry the Fifth's army in France, and had later served in the household of Henry the Fifth's wife Catherine de Valois. To general consternation Owain, who was basically a servant, married his boss, Henry's widow Catherine. This caused a great scandal, but Owain and Catherine remained together and had five children. Their eldest son Edmund Tudor married Margerat Beaufort, a descendent of Edward the Third, and their son Henry Tudor came to the conclusion that he had a claim to the English throne. Following a failed first attempt Henry gathered his forces, and in 1485 landed in Milford Haven to stake his claim. On the 22nd of August 1485 at Bosworth Field near Leicester the armies of Henry and King Richard met. The scene was famously described by Shakespeare in his play Richard the Third , and Richard's final cries for a horse to get him out of trouble are words so famous that many people have forgotten where they come from. "My kingdom for a horse" called Richard, and it does seem as though he was unhorsed when he was finally killed, his crown, according to rumour, later being found on a thorn bush.

Bosworth Battlefield is now a country park with a visitors' centre describing the history of the area. There is a Battlefield Trail, the recreation of a medieval street, a film describing the battle, a shop, a tea room, and activities such as trying the strength of a longbow. Every year on the weekend closest to the 22nd of August there is a re-enactment of the battle.

Directions: The battlefield is two miles south of Market Bosworth near Sutton Cheney, West Leicestershire. The Visitor Centre is signposted from the A444 and A447. Click here for an interactive map cented on the Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre.

Opening Times: The country park is open all year. The battlefield is open daily in January 10am - 4pm, from February to October 10am - 5pm and for November and December 10am - 4pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.

Access: the Battlefield Trail is stoned, and a powered disabled buggy is available. Adapted toilets are available.

Contact: 01455 290429