Did your ancestors fight for Richard III?

Bosworth Battlefield, run by Leicestershire County Council, is celebrating its 525th anniversary by launching an international search for the descendants of those who fought at the battle on 22nd August 1485.

The battle, which was the final chapter in the bloody episode in English history known as the Wars of the Roses, saw the end of Plantagenet rule and the birth of the all powerful Tudor dynasty.

Accounts of the battle suggest there were 12,000 – 16,000 men fighting for King Richard, 5,000 fighting for Henry Tudor and 5,000 – 7,000 in the army of the Stanleys.

One of the men who fought was Ralph Orrell of Turton, Lancashire, who was a cousin to the mighty magnate of Lancashire, Lord Thomas Stanley. At Bosworth, Ralph Orrell’s contingent, made up of tenants, joined the battle late as the Stanleys intervened to save Henry Tudor.

James Orrell spent 14 years researching his family tree back to the Battle of Bosworth, he adds:

"I traced my family tree all the way back to 1120, and along the way I discovered that one of my ancestors, Ralph Orrel, was involved in the Battle of Bosworth on the side of Henry Tudor.

"As a reward for his loyalty at Bosworth, in 1486 Ralph Orrell was paid ten marks a year for life, for good and faithful services. It’s fascinating to discover that my family were involved in something so pivotal to British history, although I can’t help but feel Ralph fought for the wrong side, but understandably you didn’t argue with the Stanleys!"

Other names associated with the battle are listed on the Bosworth Battlefield website and include those that fought for both Richard and Henry.

Curator Richard Knox adds: "We have a list of names of men who fought at the battle from sources, including the Italian historian Polydore Vergil, but we know very little else about them. We would love to hear from families who believe their ancestors are connected to the battle and start to add some flesh to the bones of the Bosworth story."

Some of the key families with traceable connections to the Battle of Bosworth will be invited to attend the spectacular re-enactment to mark the 525th anniversary of the Battle of Bosworth on Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd of August.

The event will see hundreds of medieval re-enactors from The Wars of the Roses Federation bringing history to life as Kings, knights, archers and soldiers come face to face to recreate this decisive and bloody battle that saw the death of King Richard III and the birth of the all powerful Tudor Dynasty.

The spectacular two day event will also include a thrilling jousting tournament, majestic falconry displays, skill-at-arms, guided walks, medieval market, living history encampment, expert talks, children’s activities and the chance to meet King Richard III himself.

The Battle of Bosworth Anniversary Re-enactment Weekend is on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 August from 10.00am – 5.30pm

Advanced tickets for Bosworth’s biggest event of the year are on sale now

Tickets cost:

• £12.00 Adult
• £8.00 Concession/Child
• £35.00 Family tickets (2adults + 2children)
• £25.00 Family tickets(1adult + 2 children).
• £40.00 Family ticket (2adults + 3 children)

Advanced tickets up to and including 8h August are available to purchase at a10% discount from the battlefield on 01455 290 429. There is a £1.00 charge for postage or no charge for collection.

Find Out More

Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre is run by Leicestershire County Council and is the location of the award-winning exhibition, shop, Tithe Barn restaurant and Country Park. Bosworth Battlefield covers many fields, all of which are privately owned and not accessible to the public at this time. The battle which took place on 22 August 1485, brought an end to 30 years of English civil war, now known as the War of the Roses and saw the infamous King Richard III lose both his life and crown to Henry Tudor. The Battlefield includes a new exhibition telling the story of the Battle and looking at its impact on British history, which has been funded by an award from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Address: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD
Phone: 01455 290429
Email: Bosworth@leics.gov.uk
Website: www.bosworthbattlefield.com