The final designs for the memorial tomb which will mark the resting place of Richard III have been revealed by Leicester Cathedral, as they seek planning permission for the design. The Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England will review the plans and is expected to make a decision by late October.
The raised tomb made of Swaledale fossil limestone will be placed at the centre of a rose carved in white limestone, surrounded by a band of dark Kilkenny limestone, in a special area created by re-ordering part of the interior of the Cathedral. The top of the tomb is inclined towards the east, as a symbol of the resurrection of the dead.
The name of the King, the dates of his birth and death (1452-1485) his personal motto , ‘Loyaulte me Lie (Loyalty binds Me)’ and his ‘boar’ badge will be carved into the dark circular band on the floor around the tomb. The area will be defined by wooden screens, between the new altar under the tower and a new chapel which will be used for private prayer and for regular daily worship.
The site of the tomb is in what is now the Chancel of the Cathedral, a traditional place of honour. This is equivalent to the position of the King’s original grave in the Grey Friars Priory.
The Dean of Leicester, the Very Reverend David Monteith, said: “We fully respect the process of the Judicial Review which will ensure the procedure leading to the reinterment is correct. While this takes its course we must, as would any Cathedral in this position, seek planning permission for the detailed and costly changes which need to be made to the building.
“The overall concept is regal and respectful in its elegant simplicity, as befits the final resting place of a King of England. By placing the tomb in our Chancel, we are giving King Richard the same honour as did those friars more than 500 years ago.”
The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Revd Tim Stevens said “I am proud to support the Cathedral in continuing to progress its responsibility to prepare for the reinterment of King Richard while the judicial process continues. Our Cathedral deserves our prayerful support during these exciting and challenging times”
The improvements to the inside of the Cathedral will also create a better experience for the thousands of people expected to visit.
The Cathedral site is also being dramatically improved through the Cathedral Gardens project, which will create a new public open space, including re-siting the statue of Richard III now in Castle Gardens and a new piece of artwork funded by the County Council.
Dr Phil Stone, Chair of the Richard III Society, described the design as “utterly inspired’.
He said: “Because of the Judicial Review, the Society must stick by its neutrality. If in two to three months’ time it is clear that Richard is coming to Leicester then I hope this will proceed according to these plans. This design is utterly inspired and if it does not come here, I hope they will do the same thing somewhere else.”
All the designs have now been submitted to the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England for final approval. The CFCE is the statutory planning body who have to approve all proposed alterations to English Cathedrals.
The cost of the reinterment and the reordering of the Cathedral in connection with it will be around £1.3m. The tomb and vault will cost in the region of £96,000.
