Over 5,000 visit King Richard III before reinterment

Over 5,000 people have already visited Leicester Cathedral to see the remains of King Richard III before the reburial ceremony on Thursday, facing queues of up to several hours

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Leicester Cathedral. Image credit: VisitEngland

The momentous historical occasion of Richard III‘s reinterment has already attracted over 5,000 visitors to Leicester Cathedral where his remains lie in repose before the actual reburial on Thursday.

The coffin containing the remains of Richard III, the last Plantagenet King, has been on display in the Cathedral since Sunday 22 March, following a procession around Leicester. Members of the public are currently being welcomed to come and pay their respects and witness history in the making, and have so far faced queues of up to several hours long.

Richard III, an early 17th-century likeness. Credit: Amberley Publishing
Richard III, an early 17th-century likeness. Credit: Amberley Publishing

Richard III, the last English king to die in battle, was killed at Bosworth Field in 1485, which marked the end of the Wars of the Roses. But his skeleton was only discovered in 2012 under a car park in Leicester and, once the remains were confirmed by forensics to be that of England’s notorious King, a lengthy debate began on where his final resting place should be. Eventually, the High Court ruled that it would be Leicester Cathedral and preparation began for the event, including invitations for the reburial ceremony sent to religious leaders all over the world. The ceremony will be held at Leicester Cathedral later this week, led by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby.

For more information on the timing of events see the reinterment schedule below.

Richard III’s reinterment

Sunday, March 22

A procession around Leicester will culminate in evening worship in Leicester Cathedral.

Monday 23-Wednesday 25 March

The remains of King Richard III will lie in repose in Leicester Cathedral. The public is welcome to pray and pay their respects during scheduled hours. Further viewing times are today 14:00-17:00 / 19:15-21:00 and tomorrow 09:00-12:30.

Thursday 26 March

The remains of Richard III will be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral, with an invited congregation and in the presence of the Most Rt. Revd. Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, senior clergy, and representatives of the World Faiths.

Friday 27 March

People from across the city of Leicester and the county of Leicestershire will be invited to gather in the Cathedral to see the tomb revealed.

For further information and latest updates please visit the Leicester Cathedral website.

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