The Richard III Society
Promoting research into the life and times of Richard III since 1924
Patron: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
During November 1483 King Richard was in the West Country dealing with the aftermath of the Buckingham Rebellion.
| Salisbury: Richard was here on 2nd November to oversee the execution of the Duke of Buckingham for treason. |
| Bridport: Oriel Window which is a surviving remnant of the Priory of St John the Baptist, where Richard may have stayed on 5th November. |
| Exeter: Remains of the Gatehouse of Rougemont Castle where Richard was probably based between 8—14 November. | Credit: Creative Commons |
Richard III by Andrew Jamieson,
© Richard III Society.
Welcome to the website of the Richard III Society. We have been working since 1924 to secure a more balanced assessment of the king and to support research into his life and times. The rediscovery of his remains and their re-interment in Leicester Cathedral have raised the king’s profile and provided us with new opportunities to make the case for a reappraisal of his life and role in English history.
"… the purpose—and indeed the strength—of the Richard III Society derives from the belief that the truth is more powerful than lies; a faith that even after all these centuries the truth is important. It is proof of our sense of civilised values that something as esoteric and as fragile as reputation is worth campaigning for." Our Patron - the present Richard, Duke of Gloucester. more …
Visit the membership section to learn more about how to join the Society. Membership starts from as little as £12 per year.
Introductory Reading list.
The Society's shop contains books, postcards, prints and much much more. To see what is available to buy please view our catalogue.
'A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) agreement with the University of Leicester regarding the appropriate use of the images of King Richard’s remains has been obtained. Following a meeting with the University on 29th July 2016 to discuss the use of images, Philippa and I are pleased to announce that the MoU between our two organisations has now been signed and is published here.'
Phil Stone, Society Chairman.
Read full statement.
An increase in annual membership subscriptions came into force for existing members for the 2017/18 Ricardian year. The new rates were widely publicised in the Ricardian Bulletin and, for those who are registered, via RIII Mailings. Unfortunately, a number of members have not adjusted their payments and thus an underpayment had been recorded for them. Unless this oversight is rectified by Friday 17th November their new membership card will not be enclosed with the December Bulletin.
Current subscription rates can be found on the Membership page.
Clifton Martin of the Richard III Society laid a wreath on King Richard's tomb this morning to commemorate the King's birth on 2nd October 1452. more …
As John is no longer able to take bookings for talks, he has added updated versions of some of his Powerpoint presentations on his web site where you can download them to view.
Guided Battlefield Walks at weekends & Bank holidays, a special talk about the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the annual Medieval Festival are taking place this summer at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre.
Dates, ticket details and links to more information can be found on our What's New page.
Members of the Society receive a 20% discount on standard admission tickets to the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre on production of their Membership Card.
The list of venues which offer discounted entry rates for holders of a Richard III Society membership card.
See all What's New items.
Question: What took three years, untold amounts of grit and graft, and produced a glittering result?
Answer: Philippa Langley's quest for the lost grave of Richard III.
Many, including academics and archaeologists – not to mention the media – are still reeling from a success that can only be called stunning!
Philippa Langley next to the grave.
Philippa Langley knew King Richard III had been 'piteously slain' at Bosworth Field. And she knew the Franciscan Friars of Leicester had laid him to rest in a simple grave. But where to look? Was he still there? And would they let her try to find him?
On 25 August 2012 Philippa Langley's quest for the lost grave of Richard III finally came to fruition!
Find out more …
The Looking for Richard team have compiled some frequently asked questions about the project that found King Richard's final resting place in 2012.
Philippa's open letter to the Dean of Leicester Cathedral regarding Shakespeare's Richard III can be read on her website here.
Learn more about Philippa’s exciting new research project, and how you can help.
Read the Reburial Diary and Events held by the Society during the historic week in March 2015 and first anniversary in March 2016.
• 16th December 2017: Always an eagerly awaited prelude to Christmas. Generous and delicious home cooked meal in the village hall followed by glorious music and traditional readings in the church. Confirmation has now been received that Fotheringhay Church will be accessible for our visit.
Places are still available; please see September’s Bulletin for booking details. more …
Find out more about events organised by Society Branches and Groups in your local area and beyond.
Dates for your diary: Society events confirmed so far for 2018 can be viewed here. More information will follow in the new year.