King Richard III dig site in Leicester opens to the public this weekend
The King Richard III dig site in Leicester is being opened to the public this weekend.
Archaeologists are searching for the 500-year-old remains of Richard III under Greyfriars car park, in Leicester city centre.
-
The work starts at Greyfriars car park in Leicester city centre
The dig started on Friday, August 24, when a team led by Richard Buckley, co-director of the Leicester University's archaeology service, was granted permission by Leicester City Council, which owns the car park, to carry out a two-week dig on part of the site.
After King Richard III was defeated at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, his body was brought to Leicester where he was buried in the church of the Franciscan Friary, known as Greyfriars. Over time, the location of Greyfriars became lost – but following extensive research by the university and the Richard III Society, the archaeologists believe Greyfriars car park is where the church once stood.
Cheap Van Insurance For 17,18 & 19 Year Old Drivers - Call Insure365 01782 898188, Free Legal Expenses Cover Included Valued at £25.00!
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Saturday, June 22 2013
The university, working with the Richard III Society and Leicester City Council, will open the site to the public on Saturday, September 8, from 11am to 2pm.
The site will be accessible from Greyfriars itself, and admission is free. Advance booking is not needed, although some queueing may be needed if large numbers of visitors arrive.
There will also be a small display of some of the finds discovered at the site.
Assistant City Mayor responsible for heritage, leisure and sport, Cllr Piara Singh Clair, said: "The level of interest generated by this excavation has been amazing, and people understandably want to see for themselves the fascinating work which is being carried out.
"With the support of the University of Leicester and the Richard III Society, we're very pleased to be able to offer people the chance to see the site, and get a closer look at some of the finds made so far.
"The University of Leicester and the Richard III Society are uncovering information which will help us to better tell one of Leicester's most remarkable stories, and to understand the last days of one of the most controversial kings in British history."
Comments