The Battle of Bosworth on 22 August 1485 was fought between King Richard III and the invading army of Henry Tudor, ending with the death of Richard.  Last year, an archaeological survey finally established the actual site of the battlefield, which on subsequent maps had moved further and further eastwards from its depiction on the earliest map (Saxton 1575).

For the visitor to Bosworth the interactive visitors’ centre is a must, showing information on the battle and its consequences.  It also showcases the archaeological finds made during the survey, including the largest collection of 15th century cannonballs from any battlefield in Europe.  You can walk the new Battle of Bosworth Trail around Ambion Hill, which also includes two interpreted views across the actual battlefield site.

The Bosworth Battlefield Revitalisation Project, which not only involved the survey which found the actual battlefield but also included expanding and modernising the visitors’ centre, was assisted by funds from the National Lottery in the UK.  The project has now  been nominated for a National Lottery Award 2011 in the category of Best Heritage Project and has reached the semi-finals.  These awards are an annual search to find the UK’s favourite Lottery-funded projects.

Between 31 May and 20 June 2011 (or rather 19 June for us in Australia, as the deadline is midday GMT) we have the opportunity to vote for this important project.  As David Sprason, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Adults and Communities, said:

This is fantastic news for Leicestershire and I am delighted that Bosworth Battlefield has reached the semi finals.  Lottery funding has enabled us to create a unique visitor experience that takes people right back to the time of the famous battle which has been so pivotal in shaping British history.

It’s really easy to vote and I want everyone to show their support for our battlefield and vote for it. It would be a huge accolade for the whole of Leicestershire if Bosworth was to win at the finals and it would be extremely rewarding for everyone involved in the project to receive national recognition for all their hard work. You can’t fail to be proud when you consider its significance as a turning point in our history.

So go to http://www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards, click on the category ‘Best Heritage Project’ and cast your vote for Bosworth.  We can’t influence the outcome of the battle, but we can influence the outcome for the visitors’ centre.

More information:  ‘The battle begins for Lottery Awards!’, IN Loughborough, 31 May 2011.  URL:  http://www.inloughborough.com/news/099843/The%20battle%20begins%20for%20Lottery%20Awards Date accessed:  1 June 2011

Tags: Battles, Bosworth