Ten years on from the reinternment of Richard III, a tree harvested from his childhood home has been planted on Bosworth Battlefield.
The young oak tree originates from the 600-year-old Fotheringhay oak, which still stands in the grounds of Fotheringhay Castle in Northamptonshire to this day. It would have been a thriving young oak when Richard III was growing up on the historic estate.
Chairman of Leicestershire County Council, Councillor Joe Orson, joined Sally Henshaw, Secretary of the Leicestershire branch of the Richard III Society in planting the tree, which will sit in the grounds of Bosworth Battlefield.
Organised by the county council’s country parks team, the planting marks the start of a series of special events to commemorate the tenth anniversary of King Richard’s mortal remains returning to Bosworth Battlefield prior to his reinterment at Leicester Cathedral.
The Remembering Richard’s Return event will take place over the weekend of 22 and 23 March and will feature living history encampments, re-enactment demonstrations and interactive activities.
Councillor Lee Breckon, cabinet member for resources, said: “We are grateful to have received this young oak, and it’s amazing to think that the tree it came from was standing when Richard III was growing up in Fotheringhay Castle.
“I’m pleased that we can mark the tenth anniversary of Richard III’s reinternment in Leicester Cathedral in this way, and I hope people take advantage of our upcoming events to see it for themselves.
Sally Henshaw said: “On October 2nd 1452 Richard, the future King of England was born at Fotheringhay Castle. All that remains of the castle today is a mound.
“It is wonderful to think that a young tree from an oak at Fotheringhay, Richard’s birthplace, has been planted at Bosworth, where he yielded his life fighting valiantly for his crown and his kingdom 540 years ago.”
Find more information about country parks in Leicestershire at on the country parks website.
Find out more on the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre website.