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Bosworth Field, Leicestershire

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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 V's army in France, and had later served in the household of Henry V's wife Catherine de Valois. Following King Henry's death, to general consternation, Owain, a mere servant, married 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 Margaret Beaufort, a descendent of Edward III. They in their turn had a son, Henry Tudor, who decided that he had a better claim to the English throne than the present king Richard III. Following a failed first attempt Henry gathered his forces, and in 1485 landed in Milford Haven to stake his claim. Richard was at Nottingham Castle when he heard of the invasion. There was a delay in responding because Richard believed his rival would be defeated in Wales by either Rhys ap Thomas in the south, or the Stanleys in the north. When this turned out not to be the case, the royal army led by King Richard marched into Leicestershire. The two armies met outside the small village of Market Bosworth on 22nd August. It is thought, according to Norman Davies in The Isles, that Henry had about 5000 men, Richard roughly twice that number. No eye witness accounts of the battle survive, but accounts written later suggest the battle began early in the morning with Henry's men charging across marshy ground towards Richard's lines. The battle that followed lasted about three hours. The crucial moment came when Richard made an attempt to reach Henry standing behind his ranks of soldiers. This attack almost succeeded, with Henry's flag bearer being killed before the personal guard was able to regain control. At this point Henry's step uncle, Sir William Stanley came to the rescue. The Stanley's with their large force had until this time been standing away from the battle waiting to see which way it would go. In the furious battle around Henry, Richard himself was killed, and the battle won. Richard's body was thrown over a mule and carried away. The scene of Richard's death was famously described by Shakespeare in his play Richard III. In the play Richard's final cries are for a horse to get him out of trouble: "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. Chroniclers describe the crown being recovered "from the spoils of battle" rather than a thorn bush. ( See Henry VIII by Caroline Rogers P14 - 15)

The assumed site of Bosworth battlefield is now a country park with a visitors' centre describing the history of the area. There is a battlefield trail, a recreated medieval street, a film describing the battle, a shop and tea room. Every year on the weekend closest to 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 centred on the Bosworth Battlefield Visitor Centre.

Opening Times: The country park is open all year from 8.30am until 5.30pm April to September, and until 4.40pm other months.

The Heritage Centre is open daily from November to March 10am - 4pm, and from April to October 10am - 5pm. Last admission is one hour before closing.

The centre is closed from 24th to 27th December and from 31st December to 1st February.

Address: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, Leicestershire CV13 0AD

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

Contact:

telephone: 01455 290429

fax: 01455 292841

e-mail: bosworth@leics.gov.uk

website: www.bosworthbattlefield.com

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