On 4th February 2013, the remains excavated underneath a council car-park in Leicester was confirmed as Richard III, England’s last Plantagenet monarch. The last English king was killed in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth (the last significant battle of the War of the Roses that pitched Richard’s Yorkists against the Tudor Lancastrian). His body was brought back and publicly displayed, then interred with little pomp by the Grey Friars, a local order of Franciscan monks. The victor of Bosworh, Henry Tudor, was crowned King Henry VII. In 1538, his son, Henry VIII split from Rome and across the land monasteries were demolished and dissolved, and the Grey Friars were no exception. 
We visited the site on the 529th anniversary of the battle. Each year, the anniversary was remembered with a weekend packed full of events and activities - climaxing in an exciting re-enactment of the battle. The ringing crash of steel as two sword blades strike, the booming gallop of a charge of horses and the richly coloured flags of the Knights of Arms has ensured the medieval battlefield remains a romantic - if gruesome - vista of chivalry, death and glory. Bosworth Battlefield brought the drama and excitement of a medieval battle to life in a spectacular re-enactment. Hundreds of medieval re-enactors from The Wars of the Roses Federation brought history to life as Kings, knights, archers and soldiers come face to face to recreate this decisive and bloody battle as well as the Battle of Tewkesbury, a Yorkist victory fought in 1471. 
There were enthusiasts staying for the weekend in medieval style canvas tents, in full traditional dress, cooking round campfires and talking to visitors about the history of the battle and the lives of those involved. A treat for fans of Living History displays as they walked amongst them, partaking in the festivities of the medieval market and ever-popular ale tent, provided by the Stagger Inn. A jousting tournament and Mounted Skill at Arms by Destrier, an award winning horse team, were well-received while ‘Falconry: The Sport of Kings’ demonstration vowed everyone. I covered my ears during the whole medieval fire power display. These old canons were really vey loud. Babe attended a fascinating display of medieval brutality by the Battle of the Nations demonstration where soldiers partook in no-holds-barred fighting. Les Routiers held a demonstration titled Arming the Knight, providing a colourful insight into the various layers medieval knights wore as they prepared for battle. There were medieval games and dance for kids as well as a 15th Century Fashion Show in the courtyard which we missed.
Entertainment of a more academic nature was available via various illustrated talks by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones, authors of ‘The King’s Grave: The Search for Richard III’ and Robert Woosnam Savage, Curator of European Edged Weapons at the Royal Armouries. There were guided walks to the Sundial, a registered war memorial. We didn’t attend any of these because we wanted to keep our place in the main field. We brought our deck chairs and positioned ourselves in one place. We could only be in one place and could only photograph what was in front of us. Babe and I took turns to check out the medieval market which showcased a range of hand crafted costumes, imitation weapons and carved furniture, all adding to the authentic atmosphere of the camp. I bought a medieval brooch and the obligatory ‘Two Kings – One Battle’ fridge magnet. I also had a floral head-band on, very Maid Marian. 
Finally, the re-enactment of Richard's last charge took place. We were impressed that a minute silence was observed to remember all those who died during the Wars of the Roses. It was a very poignant occasion at the battlefield as we remembered those who lost their lives and reflected on their place in history with honour and dignity. Then the Battle began and the atmosphere and actions were blood-curling. The sight and sound of men and women marching into battle, whistling of arrows rushing through the air, the thunderous blasts from the canon, the thumping of horses hooves and the clanking of the armours and metal against metal were terrifying. The grand finale brought to life this pivotal moment in history when two Kings, came together on one day and changed the course of history forever. Richard was killed, his body slung over his horse for the ride back to Leicester, as Henry Tudor celebrated. 
Shakespeare immortalised King Richard III as he lay defeated on the battlefield with the famous line :
“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse.”
GOD:that shope both sea and Land,
& ffor all creatures dyed ont tree,
saue and keepe the realme of England
to liue in peace & tranquillitye!
St. George, to vs a sheild thou bee!
ffor we haue cause to pray, both old & younge,
with stedfast hart fful devatlye,
& say “welcome HENERY, right-wise King!”
welcome right-wise King, & Ioy royall,
he that is grounded with grace!
welcome the ffortune that hath befall,
which hath beene seene in many a place!
who wend that England itt was,
soe suddenlye changed shold haue beene?
therfore lett vs thanke god of his grace,
& say “welcome Henery, right-wise King!”
how had wee need to remember, & to our minds recall
how England is transported miraculouslye
to see the great Mischeefe that befall
sith the Martyrdome of the holy King H ENERY!
how many lords haue beene deemed to dye,
young innocents that neuer did sinn!
therfore lett vs thanke god hartilye,
& say, “welcome HENERY, right-wise King!”
some time a King raigned in this land,
that was Edward of hye ffelicytye;
he was dowted & dread, as I vnderstand,
through all the nations in Christentye.
he serued Iesus ffull heartilye:
these examples may be taken by him
which hath preuailed him with royaltye
to weare the crowne & be our King.
ffor with tounge I haue heard it told,
when HENERY was in a ffar cuntrye,
that 3 times he was bought & sold
throughe the might of gold & ffee.
he serued Iesus ffull hartylye:
this example may be said by him
which preuailed right royallye
he weare the crowne and be our King.
they banished him ouer the fflood,
ouer the fflood & streames gray;
yett his right in England was good,
as herafter know you may.
there was hee banished ouer the ffloode,
& into a strange Land they can him bring
that time Raigned Richard with royaltye,
he ware the crowne & was our Kinge.
that was well seene att streames stray;
att Milford hauen, when he did appeare
with all his Lords in royall array,
he said to them that with him weare:
“into England I am entred heare,
my heritage is this Land within;
they shall me boldlye bring & beare,
& loose my liffe, but Ile be King.
“Iesus that dyed on good ffryday,
& Marry mild thats ffull of might
send me the loue of Lord Stanley!
he marryed my mother, a Lady bright;
“that is long sith I saw her with sight;
I trust in Iesu wee shall meete with winne
& I shall maintaine her honor right
ouer all England when I am Kinge.
“had I the Loue of that Lord in rich array
that hath proued his manhood soe well att need,
& his brother Sir William, the good Stanley;–
a better Knight neuer vmstrode steede!
“that hath beene seene in mickle dreed;
much was the worshipp that happened him!
a more nobler Knight att neede
came neuer to maintaine Kinge.”
now leaue wee HENERY, this prince royall,
& talke of Richard in his dignitye,
of the great misfortune did him befall:
the causer of his owne death was hee.
wicked councell drew Richard neere,
of them that had the prince in their guiding;
ffor wicked councell doth mickle deere
that bringeth downe both Emperour & King.
the Lord Stanley bothe sterne & stout,–
he might be called fflower of fflowers-man dye.
that was well seene without doubt
att Barwicke walls with towers hye;
when all the Lords of England let itt bee,
that castle wightlye can hee winn.
was there euer Lord in England, ffare or nere
that did such iorney to his Kinge?
then Richard bade a messenger to ffare
soe ffare into the west countrye
to comfort his knights, squiers lesse & more,
& to set good rule amongst his comintye.
then wicked councell drew Rich[ard] neere;
these were they words they said to him,
“wee thinke yee worke vnwittylye
in England, & yee will continue King.
“ffor why, the Lord Stanley is lent in this Land,
the Lord Strange & the Chamberlaine; these 3
they may show vpon a day a band
such as may noe Lorde in Christentye.
“lett some of them vnder your bondage bee,
if any worshipp you thinke to winn;
or else short while continue shall yee
In England to be our Kinge.”
then they made out messengers with maine & might
soe ffarr into the west countrye;
to the Lord Stanley that noble Knight
they kneeled downe vpon their knee
& said “Richard that raignes with royaltye,
Emperour of England this day within,
hee longeth you sore, My Lord, to see;
you must come & speake with our Kinge.”
#
then the Lord busked him vpon a day
To ryde to King Richard with royaltye,
& hee ffell sicke att Manchester by the way;
as the will of god is, all things must bee.
the Lord strange then called [he] him nee;
these were the words hee said to him:
“In goodlye hast now ryde must yee
to witt the will of Richard, our Kinge.”
Then this Lord bowned him ffull right
to ryde to King Richard hastilye.
when hee came before his soueraigine in sight,
he kneeled downe vpon his knee.
“welcome, Lord Strange, & kinsman nye!”
these were the words he said to him:
“was there euer any Baron in England of ancetrye
shold be soe welcome his to his Kinge?”
alas, that euer he cold soe say
soe ffroward a hart as hee had vnder!
that was well seene after vpon a day;
itt cast him & his crowne assunder.
& brought his body into bale & blunder,
these wicked words he cold begin:
thus ffalshood endeth in shame & wonder,
whether itt be with Emperour or King.
of itt heere is no more to say,
but shortlye to ward comanded was hee.
new messengers were made without delay
soe ffarr into the west countrye
to the Lord stanley soe wise & wittye:
these were the words thé sayd to him,
“you must raise those that vnder you bee,
& all the power that you may bringe;
“yonder cometh Richmond over the fflood
with many allyants out of ffarr countrye,
bold men of bone and blood;
the crowne of England chalengeth hee.
“you must raise those that vnder you bee,
& all the power that yee may bringe,
or else the Lord strange you must neuer see,
which is in danger of our King.”
In a studye this Lord can stand,
& said, “deere Iesus! how may this bee?
I draw wittenes to him that shope both sea & land,
that I neuer delt with noe trecherye.
“Richard is a man that hath no mercye;
hee wold mee & mine into bondage bringe;
therfore cleane against him will I bee,
of all England though hee bee King.”
then another messenger he did appeare
to william Stanley, that noble Knight,
& saith, “Richard that weareth the crowne soe cleare,
& in his Empire raigneth right,
“willeth you to bring your powere to helpe him to ffight;
ffor all his trust itt is you in.”
then answered that gentle Knight,
“I haue great marueill of your King;
“hee keepeth the[r]e my nephew, my brothers heyre;
a truer knight is not in christentye.–
that Richard shall repent ffull sore,
ffor any thing that I can see.
“bidd him array him with royaltye
& all the power that hee may bringe;
ffor hee shall either ffight, or fflee,
or loose his liffe, if hee bee Kinge.
“I make mine avow to Marye, that may,
& to her sonne that died on tree,
I will make him such a breakefast vpon a day
as neuer made Knight any King in Cristetntye!
“tell thou King Richard these words from me:
ffor all the power that he may bringe,
in the ffeild he shall either ffight, or fflee,
or loose his liffe or hee be Kinge.”
then this messenger fforth hee went
to carry to King Richard with royaltye,
& saith, “in yonder countrye I haue beene sent,
soe greeued men are not in Christentye.
“ffor loue of the Lord strange that in bale doth bee.
these were the words hee sayd to him:
“you must either ffight or fflee,
or loose your liffe, if you bee Kinge.”
att that King Richard smiled small,
& sware, “by Iesu ffull of might,
when they are assembled with their powers all,
I wold I had the great turke against me to ffight,
“or Prester Iohn in his armor bright,
the Sowdan of Surrey with them to bringe!
yett with manhood & with might
in England I shold continue King.
“I sweare by Iesu that dyed on a tree,
& by his mother that mayden blythe,
ffrom the towne of Lancaster to Shrewsburye,
Knight nor squier Ile leaue none aliue.
“I shall kindle their cares riffe,
& giue their Lands to my Knights keene;
many a man shall repent the while
that euer they rose against their King.
“ffrom the holy-head to St. davids Land,
where now be towers & castles hye,
I shall make parkes & plaine ffeilds to stand,
ffrythes ffaire, & fforrests ffree.
“Ladyes, ‘well-away!’ shall crye;
widdowes shall weepe & their hands wringe;
many a man shall repent that day
that euer they rose against their Kinge.”
then he made out messengers with maine & might
throughout England ffarr & neere,
to Duke, Erle, Barron & Knight,
& to euery man in his degree.
you neuer heard tell of such a companye
att sowte, seege, nor noe gatheringe:
part of their names here shall yee
that came that day to serue their King.
thither came the duke of Norffolke vpon a day
& the Erle of Surrey that was his heyre:
the Erle of Kent was not away
the Erle of Shrewsbury breme as beare.
the Erle of Lincolne wold not spare,
the Erle of Northumberland ready bowne,
the Erle of westmoreland great othes sware,
all they said Richard shold Keepe his crowne.
theres was my Lord Zouch, sad at assay:
my Lord Mattrevis, a noble Knight;
young Arrundell dight him vpon a day,
the Lord wells, both wise and wight;
the Lord Gray Cotner in his armour bright,
the Lord Bowes made him bowne,
the Lord Audley was ffeirce to ffight,
& all said Richard shold keepe his crowne.
there was my Lord Bartley, sterne on a steede,
the Lord fferryes of chartlye, the Lord fferryes of Strobe,
the Lord Bartley noble att neede,
chamberlaine of England that day was hee.
the Lord ffittz Hugh & his cozen nye,
the Lord Scroope of vpsall, the Lord scroope of Bolton;
the Lord Dacres raised all the North cuntrye;
& all said Richard shold keepe his crowne.
There was many nobles mustered to ffight:
the Lord Audley & the Lord Lumley,
the Lord Grey-stocke in his armour bright,
he brought with him a noble companye.
he sware by Iesus that dyed on a tree,
“that his enemyes shold be beaten downe;
he was not [in] England, ffarr nor neere,
that shold lett Richard to weare his crowne.”
there was Sir Iohn Spencer, a noble Knight,
Sir Raph hare-bottle in rich array,
Sir william ward, alwayes that was wight,
Sir Archeobald, good Rydley;
Sir Nicholas Moberly was not away,
nor yett Sir Robert of Clotton,
alsoe Sir Oliuer, the hend horsley;
all said Richard shold keepe his crowne.
there was Sir Henery Percy, sterne on steede,
Sir Roger Bowmer in his companye,
Sir Richard Manners, noble att neede,
Soe was Sir Henery the hend Hatteley;
Sir Robert Conway in companye
Sir Raphe Smyth & Sir Roger Akerston,
& Sir William, his cozen nye,
& all sayd Richard shold keepe his crowne.
There was a noble Knight, Sir Iohn the Gray,
& Sir Thomas of Mountgomerye;
Sir Rodger Sanfort was not away;
ffrom London came Sir Robert Brakenburye;
Sir Henery Bowdrye was not away,
nor yett Sir Richard the good Chorlton;
Sir Raphe Robbye made him yare;
all said Richard wold keepe his crowne.
there ws Sir Marmaduke Constable, a noble Knight,
of King Richards councell hee was nye;
Sir william Counyous, allwayes that was wight,
Sir Robert Thribald with his meanye;
soe was Sir Martine of the wardley,
& Sir Richard the good Hortton,
&Sir Richard Rosse sware smartlye
that King Richard shold keepe his crowne.
There was Sir Robert, the sterne Sturley;
Sir Iohn of Melton, thither Came hee,
Sir Garuis Clyfton in rich array,
Sir Henery Perpoint in his degree,
Sir Thomas North with royaltye,
& alsoe Sir Iohn of Babington,
Sir Hemphrey Stafford sware certainelye
that King Richard shold keepe his crowne.
there was Sir Robert Ryder, a man of might,
Sir Robert Vtridge in his dignitye;
Sir Iohn Huntington was ffeirce to ffight,
soe was Sir Iohn willmarley.
Sir Robert Swayley with royaltye,
& alsoe Sir Bryan of stableton,
& Sir william his cozen nye,
& all said Richard shold keepe his crowne.
There was Sir Richard Ratcliffe, a noble Knight,
of King Richards councell was hee;
Sir William his brother was ffeirce to ffight,
& Sir Thomas, they were brethren 3.
& Sir Richard the Mallinere,
& Sir Iohn the good Hortton,
& Sir Thomas the good Mallynere,
& all said Rich[ard] shold keepe his crowne.
There was Sir Raphe Dacres out of the North,
& Sir Christopher the Moresbye;
Sir William Musgreaue was stiffe to stand,
soe was Sir Alexander ffawne in his dignitye.
Sir George Murkenffeild behind wold not bee,
nor yett Sir Thomas the doughtye Boughton:
Sir Christopher Owen made him readye,
& all sayd Rich[ard] shold weare his crowne.
there was Sir william Tempest out of the vale,
& Sir Richard his cozen nye;
Sir Raph Ashton, hee made not ffaile,
Sir Thomas Maclefeild in Companye.
Sir Richard ward behind wold not bee,
nor yett Sir Robert of Middleton;
Sir Iohn Coleburne sware certainelye
that King Richard shold keepe his crowne.
there was Sir Iohn Neuill of bloud soe hye,
Sir Iohn Hurlstean in rich array,
Sir Rodger Herne behind wold not bee,
Sir Iames Harrington, sad att assay.
Sir Robert his brother was not away,
nor yett was Sir Thomas of Pilkinton;
& all these, great othes sware they
that King Richard shold keepe his crowne.
had wee not need to Iesus to pray,
that made the world, the day & night,
to keepe vs out of bale and woe?
2 shires against all England to ffight.
& maintaine HENERY that came ffor his right,
& in the realme of England was ready bowne!
ffreinds, & yee will harken me right,
I shall tell you how Henery gott his crowne.
the Lord Stanley sterne and stout,
that euer hath beene wise and wittye,
ffrom Latham Castle withouten doubt
vppon a munday bowned hee — 87.348
with Knights & squiers in companye.
they had their banners in the sunn glitteringe;
they were as ffeirce as ffawcon to fflye,
to maintaine HENERY that was their King.
then this Lord bowned him vpon a day
with noble men in companye:
towards Newcastle vnder Line he tooke the way,
& told his men both gold and ffee.
Sir william Stanley wise and wight,
ffrom the castle of Holt with holts hye
to the Nantwich hee rydeth straight,
& tooke his men wages of gold and ffee.
all the north wales ffor the most partye,
the fflower of Cheshire, with him hee did bringe;
better men were not [in] christentye
that euer came to maintaine their King.
Erly vpon Twesday att Morne
Sir william Stanley, that noble Knight,
remoued ffrom Nantwiche to the towne of stone,–
by then was Henery come to stafford straight,
he Longed sore to see him in sight,
& straight to stafford towne is gone,
& kneeled downe anon-right,
by the hand he hath him tane:
hee said, “I am ffull glad of thee;”
& these were the words he said to him:
“through the helpe of my Lord thy ffather, & thee,
I trust in England to continue Kinge.”
then he hent that noble prince by the hand,
& said, “welcome my soueraigne King HENERY!
chalenge thy Herytage & thy Land,
that thine owne is, & thine shall bee.
“be Eger to ffight, & lothe to fflee!
let manhood be bredd thy brest within!
& remember another day who doth ffor thee,
of all England when thou art Kinge.”
after, there was noe more to say,
but leaue of the prince he hath taken,
& came againe by the light of the day
to the litle prettye towne of stone.
Early vpon Saturday att morne,
to Lichffeild they remoue, both old & younge.
att woosley bridge them beforne,
there had they a sight of our Kinge.
& to Lichefeild they ridden right,
with answerable army came royallye:
to nomber the companye that was with the Knight
itt was a goodlye sight to see.
guns in Lichefeild they cracken on hye
to cheere the countye both more & min,
& glad was all the Chiualrye
that was on heneryes parte, our Kinge.
throughout Lichefeild rydeth the Knight,
on other side there tarryed hee:
a messenger came to him straight,
& kneeled downe vpon his knee,
& saith, “the Lord Stanley is his enemy nye,
that are but litle way ffrom him;
they will ffight within these houres 3
With Richard that is Englands Kinge.”
“that wold I not,” the Knight can say,
“ffor all the gold in Christentye!”
towards Tamworth he tooke the way,
& came to Hattersey, & neighed nye
where Lord Stanley in a dale cold bee,
with trumpetts & tabours tempered with him;
itt was a comelye sight to see
as euer was to maintaine Kinge.
All that night there tarryed they,
& vpon the sunday gods service did see.
toward the ffeild they did them array;
the vawward the Lord Stanley tooke hee.
Sir William Stanley the rerward wold bee,
& his sonne Sir Edward with a winge.
thé did remaine in their array
to waite the coming of Richard King.
then they Looked to a fforrest syde,
they hard trumpetts & tabours tempered on hye:
they thought King Richard had comen there,
& itt was the Noble prince, King HENERYE.
ouer a riuer then rydeth hee;
he brake the ray, & rode to him:
itt was a comelye sight to see
the meeting of our Lord & Kinge.
then in their host there did ffall affray
a litle time before the night;–
you neuer saw men soe soone in their array
with ffell weapons ffeirce ffor to ffight.
vpon a keene courser that was wight,
other Lords with him hee cold bringe;
thus in array came ryding straight,
HENERY of England, our noble Kinge.
he lowted low & tooke his hatt in his hand,
& thanked the states and cominaltye:
“to quitt you all I vnderstand:
I trust in Iesus that day to see.”
many a cry in the host that night did bee;
& anon the Larke began to singe;
truth of the battell heere shall yee,
that euer was betweene King and King.
King HENERY desired the vaward right
of the Lord stanley that was both wise & wittye;
& hee hath granted him in sight,
& saith “but small is your companye.”
4 of the Noble Knights then called hee:
their names to you then I shall minge;
he bade array them with their chiualrye,
& goe to the vaward with our Kinge.
Sir Robert Tunsall, a Noble Knight,
& come of royall anceytree;
Sir Iohn Savage, wise & wight,
Sir Hugh Persall; there was 3:
Sir Humphrey Stanley the 4th did bee,
that proued noble in euerye thinge;
they did assay them with their chiualrye,
& went to the vaward with our kinge.
the Lord stanley bothe sterne and stout,
2 battells that day had hee
of hardye men, withouten doubt
better were not in christentye.
Sir william, wise and worthye,
was hindmust att the outsettinge;
men said that day that dyd him see,
hee came betime vnto our King.
then he remoued vnto a mountaine full hye,
& looked into a dale ffull dread;
5 miles compasse, no ground they see,
ffor armed men & trapped steeds.
theyr armor glittered as any gleed;
in 4 strong battells they cold fforth bring;
they seemed noble men att need
as euer came to maintaine [a] King.
the duke of Norfolke avaunted his banner bright,
soe did the young Erle of Shrewsburye,
to the sun & wind right speedylye dight,
soe did Oxfford, that Erle, in companye.
to tell the array itt were hard ffor me,
& they Noble power that they did bring.
And of the ordinance heere shall yee,
that had that day Richard our Kinge.
they had 7 scores Sarpendines without dout,
that locked & Chained vppon a row,
as many bombards that were stout;
<>like blasts of thunder they did blow.
10000 Morespikes, with all,
& harquebusyers, throwlye can thé thringe
to make many a noble man to ffall
that was on HENERYS part. our kinge.
King Richard looked on the mountaines hye,
& sayd, “I see the banner of the Lord Stanley.”
he said, “ffeitch hither the Lord Strange to me,
ffor doubtlesse hee shall dye this day;
“I make mine avow to Marye, that may,
that all the gold this Land within
shall not saue his liffe this day,
in England iff I be Kinge!”
then they brought Lord Strange into his sight;
he said, “ffor thy death make thee readye.”
then answered that noble Knight,
& said, “I crye god & the world mercye!
“& Iesus, I draw wittnesse to thee
that all the world ffrom woe did winn,
since the time that I borne did bee,
<>was I neuer traitor to my Kinge.”
a gentleman then called hee,–
men said Latham was his name,–
“& euer thou come into my countrye,
greete well my gentlemen eche one;
“my yeomen Large of blood and bone,
sometimes we had mirth att our meetinge;
they had a Master, & now they haue none,
ffor here I must be martyred with the Kinge!”
there he tooke a ring of his ffingar right,
& to that squier raught itt hee,
& said, “beare this to my Lady bright,
for shee may thinke itt longe or shee may see;
“yett att doomes day meete shall wee,–
I trust in Iesus that all this world shall winn–
In the celestyall heauen vpon hye
in presence of a Noble King.
“& the ffeild be lost vpon our partye,–
as I trust in god it shall not bee,–
take my eldest sonne that is my heyre,
& fflee into some ffar countrye.
“yett the child a man may bee,–
hee is comen of a Lords kinn,–
another day to reuenge mee
of Richard of England, if he be King.”
then to King Richard there came a Knight,
saith, “I hold noe time about this to be,
see yee not the vawards beginning to ffight?
when yee haue the ffather, the vnkle, all 3,
“looke what deathe you will haue them to dye;
att your will you may them deeme.”
through these ffortunate words eskaped hee
out of the danger of Richard the Kinge.
then the partyes countred together egerlye,
when the vawards began to ffight,
King Henery ffought soe manfullye,
soe did Oxford, that Erle soe wight;
Sir Iohn Sauage, that hardy Knight,
deathes dints he delt that day
with many a white hood in fight,
that sad men were att assay.
Sir Gilbert Talbott was not away,
but stoutly stirred him in that ffight;
with noble men att assay
he caused his enemyes lowe to light.
Sir Hugh Persall, with sheild & speare
ffull doughtylye that day did hee;
he bare him doughtye to this warr,
as a man of great degree.
King Richard did in his army stand,
he was n[u]mbered to 40000 and 3
of hardy men of hart and hand,
that vnder his banner there did bee.
Sir William Stanley, wise & worthie
remembred the brea[k]ffast hee hett to him;
downe att a backe then cometh hee,
& shortlye sett vpon the Kinge.
then they countred together sad & sore;
archers they lett sharpe arrowes fflee,
they shott guns both ffell & ffarr,
bowes of vewe bended did bee,
springalls spedd them speedylye,
harquebusiers pelletts throughly did thringe;
soe many a banner began to swee
that was on Richards partye, their King.
then our archers lett their shooting bee,
with ioyned weapons were growden ffull right,
brands rang on basenetts hye,
battell-axes ffast on helmes did light.
there dyed many a doughtye Knight,
there vnder ffoot can thé thringe;
thus they ffought with maine & might
that was on HENERYES part, our King.
then to King Richard there came a Knight,
& said, “I hold itt time ffor to fflee;
ffor yonder stanleys dints they be soe wight,
against them no man may dree.
“Heere is thy horsse att thy hand readye;
another day thou may thy worshipp win,
& ffor to raigne with royaltye,
to weare the crowne, and be our King.”
he said, “giue me my battell axe to my hand,
sett the crowne of England on my head soe hye!
ffor by him that shope both sea and Land,
King of England this day I will dye!
“one ffoote will I neuer fflee
whilest the breath is my brest within!”
as he said, soe did it bee;
if hee lost his liffe, if he were King.
about his standard can thé light,
the crowne of gold thé hewed him ffroe,
with dilfull dints his death thé dight,
the Duke of Norffolke that day thé slowe.
the Lord fferrers & many other moe,
boldlye on bere they can them bringe;
many a noble Knight in his hart was throwe,
that lost his liffe with Richard the King.
there was slaine Sir Richard Ratcliffe, a noble Knight,
of King Richards councell was ffull nye;
Sir william Conyas , allwayes that was wight,
& Sir Robert of Brakenburye.
a Knight there dyed that was ffull doughtye,
that was Sir Richard the good Chorlton;
that day there dyed hee
with Richard of England that ware the crowne.
amongst all other Knights, remember
which were hardy, & therto wight;
Sir william Brandon was one of those,
King Heneryes Standard he kept on height,
& vanted itt with manhood & might
vntill with dints hee was dr[i]uen downe,
& dyed like an ancyent Knight,
with HENERY of England that ware the crowne.
Sir Perciuall Thriball, the other hight,
& noble Knight, & in his hart was true;
King Richards standard hee kept vpright
vntill both his leggs were hewen him froe;
to the ground he wold neuer lett itt goe,
whilest the breath his brest ws within;
yett men pray ffor the Knights 2
that euer was soe true to their King.
then they moued to a mountaine on height,
>with a lowde voice they cryed king HENERY,
the crowne of gold that was bright,
to the Lord stanley deliuered itt bee.
anon to King HENERY deliuered it hee,
the crowne that was soe deliuered to him,
& said, “methinke ye are best worthye
to weare the crowne and be our King.”
Then they rode to Leister that night
with our noble prince King
they brought King Richard thither with might
as naked as he borne might bee.
& in Newarke Laid was hee,
that many a one might looke on him.
thus ffortunes raignes most maruelouslye
both with Emperour & with king.
now this doubtffull day is brought to an end,
Iesu now their soules haue mercye!
& hee [that] dyed this world to amend,
saue stanleys blood, where-soeuer they bee,
to remaine as Lords with royaltye
when truth & conscyence shall spread & spring,
& that they bee of councell nye
to Iames of England that be our King!
~from Bishop Percy’s Folio Manuscript. Ballads and Romances~
As we made our way to the car-park, we were serenaded by a pair of medieval musicians by the visitor centre. It was a lovely end to a wonderful day. 
The remains of Richard III will be reinterred on 26th March 2015.
No comments:
Post a Comment