The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the story of this controversial king.
The exhibition tells the much debated story of the king's life and times in a medieval England racked by civil strife during the Wars of the Roses, leading to the story of the Battle of Bosworth, where the king was slain defending his crown after a now-infamous betrayal, and his body taken to Leicester for burial.
The exhibition also tells the astonishing modern-day story of the research, where archaeology, science and painstaking analysis led to the discovery and identification of the king's long-lost remains.
The original site of King Richard’s burial is now preserved under glass, in a quiet, respectful setting, fitting for the last resting place of a slain warrior and anointed monarch.
Interactive displays, sound and film create an immersive experience for all ages - bring learning out of the classroom and into Leicester's King Richard III Visitor Centre.
Why book King Richard III Visitor Centre for School Trips and Educational Visits?
King Richard III still inspires debate today in historians, his short life was eventful and spanned a crucial time of change in English history. A visit to the King Richard III Visitor Centre is a great way to engage pupils with the late medieval period, and help them understand the events which heralded the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the start of the Tudors.
The scientific analysis of King Richard III's skeleton revealed some fascinating insights into his life and death. DNA analysis, carbon dating, CT scans and facial reconstruction are all clearly explained in the exhibition and give excellent examples of real-life scientific applications.
What activities are available during group visits?
We offer a programme of hands-on workshops to complement our exhibition. Find out what archaeologists actually do, what it's like to wear a suit of armour, and how to extract DNA from a banana!
Workshops:
Archaeology - KS2, KS3, History, Maths, Science
Medieval Knight - KS2, KS3, History
DNA - KS2, KS3, Science
The Trial of Richard III - KS2, KS3, History
What size groups do you cater for?
We aim to be as flexible as possible to fit in with schools needs. Workshops are designed for a class of approx. 30 pupils, and the exhibition can accommodate larger groups with staggered entry. Whilst we're not a big site, we are well placed to combine a visit to the King Richard III Visitor Centre with other nearby heritage sites. Leicester Cathedral, where King Richard III's remains now rest, is directly opposite the Visitor Centre and welcomes school groups; the Guildhall - one of the best preserved medieval buildings in England, is also just a few minutes from the Visitor Centre, and offers a 'Trial of Richard III' workshop. If you're not sure, please contact us to find out if we can accommodate you.
Do you offer on-site classroom facilities?
We have a learning space in which we deliver our workshops for schools.
Is there first aid on site?
We always have at least one member of first aid trained staff on site.
Do you offer access for visitors with disabilities?
We are fully accessible for wheelchair users, with a lift to the first floor and an accessible toilet.
Do you cater for visitors with Special Educational Needs (SEN)?
We cater to groups with SEN, we ask teachers to get in touch with us in advance so that we can plan a visit that suits your groups specific needs.
Reviews from Schools visiting King Richard III Visitor Centre!
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