King Richard III Tomb Design Unveiled

Leicester Cathedral has unveiled the design for a tombstone to mark the final resting place of Richard III.

The remains of the King were discovered last year beneath a car park in the city by archaeologists from the University of Leicester. He died in the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

The planned tombstone would be made of Swaledale fossil limestone and engraved with a cross. It would be placed in the Chancel of Leicester Cathedral. The King’s remains would be buried beneath.

Designs show an engraving of the White Rose of York would be around the tombstone.

The Dean of Leicester, the Very Reverend David Monteith, told Sky News: “We really wanted to celebrate Richard’s history, we wanted to celebrate Richard’s faith, we wanted a marker that was significant, that would draw people in, I’m particularly mindful of children and young people discovering the history.”

The plans have been announced despite an ongoing legal dispute involving campaigners from York who believe Richard III should be buried there.

Around 30,000 people have signed a petition supporting the York bid and the matter may now be decided by a judicial review.

However, sources close to the Justice Secretary Chris Grayling have suggested he is opposed to the idea of spending public money on the legal process and intends to defend his position and allow the Leicester plans to proceed.

Mr Grayling had allowed the University of Leicester to choose where the remains should be reinterred.

The Bishop of Leicester, the Right Reverend Tim Stevens, told Sky News he understands the views of people in York and said by designing a tombstone made of limestone mined in North Yorkshire the connections of Richard III with the county were being acknowledged.

King Richard III Tomb Design Unveiled