The Richard III Society
Promoting research into the life and times of Richard III since 1924
Patron: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
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. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in the king and fifteenth-century history. The recent Greyfriars excavation has raised the king's profile and provided us with new opportunities to make the case for 'Good King Richard'.
The Society responds to the Architects' Brief produced by Leicester Cathedral for the reburial of the remains of King Richard III.
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 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?
Philippa Langley next to the graveOn 25 August 2012 Philippa Langley's quest for the lost grave of Richard III finally came to fruition!
The Greyfriars Dig: A new Richard III
A selection of videos from the Society conference held on 2 March at Leicester University is now available online and will include the unveiling of the facial reconstruction of King Richard.
The conference was an immediate sell-out and many were not able to obtain tickets. It is hoped that the videos will be some recompense to those who were disappointed, a remembrance for those who did attend, and an exciting addition to our website for all other members and visitors.
Two of the presentations on the day were very much 'work-in-progress' as the conference was held just a month after the announcement that the remains found in the Greyfriars were those of King Richard, and for this reason the speakers requested that their presentations were not filmed, and so are not available here.
23rd April: Facial reconstruction 'tour':
The facial reconstruction of King Richard III, commissioned by the Society, is about to go on tour. After these dates, it is expected to become a central feature of the new Visitor Centre, close to the grave site, in Leicester.
Leicester Guildhall, 18th May 2013 - 9th June 2013
Bosworth Battlefield: 11th June 2013 - 16th July 2013
Yorkshire Museum, York: 19th July 2013 - 13th October 2013
Northampton Museum and Art Gallery: 19th October 2013 - 5th January 2014
The British Museum: 11th January 2014 - 16th March 2014