The final leg of Richard III ceremonial procession in March has been announced.
Preparations are under way to bring King Richard III’s mortal remains to their final resting place at Leicester Cathedral.
His remains will brought from the University of Leicester to the place of his death at Bosworth Field and then on to Leicester Cathedral for his reinterment on March 26. The cortège will be stopping along the way at places in the city and county which would have played a role in his life and death.
A series of rolling road closures and special arrangements will be in place to ensure an unobstructed route through the city. Organisers are expecting huge public interest.
Sunday, March 22 will see King Richard III’s remains brought into the city at around 4.30pm, coming in via the A47 to Bow Bridge, the site of the original bridge from which King Richard is believed to have ridden out to battle at Bosworth Field in 1485.
After a short welcome to the city, the cortège will then visit St Nicholas Church at 4:50 for a short service, which is ticket only. The procession will leave at approximately 5.15pm to travel through the city centre via High Street, the Clock Tower, Gallowtree Gate, Halford Street, Rutland Street, Pocklingtons Walk and Grey Friars.
The king’s coffin will be handed over to the care of Leicester Cathedral at around 5:45, where it will lie in repose until his reinterment on Thursday, March 26.
Residents and businesses along the route, have been sent letters today informing them of road closures, parking restrictions and other temporary arrangements.
From March 21 to March 29 a number of events and services are taking place across the city as part of the reinterment, which will impact traffic, travel and those living and working in the city centre.
A ceremony attended by guests and media from across the world will take place on March 26 in Leicester Cathedral, where the King will be laid to rest.
Finally, on Friday, March 27, the sealed tomb will be revealed to the public for the first time.
Both events will involve temporary road closures, restrictions on waiting and parking, disruption to deliveries and the need to keep key routes around the cathedral free from street furniture and clutter.
Sir Peter Soulsby, City Mayor said, “The story of King Richard has caught the imagination of people across the world, and the events next month mean Leicester will once again be at the centre of international media attention.
“We also realise that for many people living and working near to the cathedral or the procession route, the sheer scale of such an event is going to mean disruption and changes to their normal working day.
“There will be road closures, additional security and thousands of extra people visiting the city during that time, as well as a huge media presence over that period.
“We’re writing to all residents and businesses in the city likely to be affected by this, so we can explain the arrangements for those few days and give them time to ask questions and make alternative plans if need be.
“I would hope people across the city make the most of this extraordinary occasion and help us to make it go smoothly, to create an event of which we can be justifiably proud.”
More information about travel and traffic arrangements can be found at: www.leicester.gov.uk/reinterment and full details of all the events taking place at: www.kingrichardinleicester.com
