1960s and earlier

St Alkelda’s Church, Middleham, Yorkshire

The earliest commemoration was in 1933 when a stained glass window was installed in St.Alkelda's Church, Middleham.

Click here to read more about this early and important event

Westminster Abbey, London

Richard's Queen, Anne Neville, had been buried in Westminster Abbey in 1485 but no memorial was erected, probably due to Richard's preoccupation with Henry Tudor's threatened invasion. The Society rectified this situation in 1960 with a memorial brass.

Each year, in March, the Society holds a short service in the Abbey to commemorate the death of Queen Anne.

In 2005 the ancient tomb of Edward the Confessor was found in the Abbey by archaeologists using radar technology. The forgotten, subterranean chambers were located during conservation work on the abbey's medieval Cosmati mosaic pavement around the high altar. The Chairman of the Society has written to the Dean and Chapter asking if the location of Queen Anne Neville’s burial has been found.

Fotheringhay Castle, Northamptonshire

Richard's birthplace, Fotheringhay Castle, was slighted and left to fall into disrepair by James I in the 17th century as it was the place of execution of his mother, Mary, Queen of Scots. All that remains are a few stones. In 1964 the Richard III Society and the Royal Stuart Society unveiled two plaques to commemorate these events. The following day the Guardian newspaper reported 'On Saturday May 9th 1964, at the Castle, Fotheringhay, to Richard and Mary, twin plaques'.

Sutton Cheney Church, Leicestershire

Although it is uncertain where Richard heard Mass before the battle of Bosworth, Sutton Cheney church has always been the venue for the Society's annual service held on the nearest Sunday to the anniversary of the battle. In 1967 a tablet commemorating Richard III and those who fell at Bosworth was installed.