Leicester Cathedral, England: A long history and last resting place of Richard III.

Leicester Cathedral

Information on the city of Leicester

This evening, I am focusing on Leicester Cathedral, the Cathedral Church of St. Martin, which was granted Cathedral status as recently as 1927. Leicester Cathedral forms part of the Anglican Communion ( Church of England).

Leicester can trace its origins to the early Roman period of the first century AD when it was known as Ratae Coritanorum. However, the Romans may have taken over two pre-Roman tribal centres thus pushing site occupation back into the first millennium BC.

Leicester is about one hundred miles north of London.

 

Inside Leicester Cathedral, England

A brief chronology of Leicester Cathedral

• A Saxon bishop fled Leicester in the 9th century to escape invading Danes. Approximately 1000 years elapsed before cathedral status was reacquired.
• The current building has evolved from a Norman church which was built in the late 11th century.
• Rebuilding and enlargement was undertaken in the 13th and 15th centuries.
• In the 19th century extensive rebuilding and restoration work was undertaken under guidance of Victorian architect, Raphael Brandon. At this time a 220 ft spire was added.

The architecture is of the Gothic style.

The building comprises a large Nave and Chancel. There are two chancel chapels and three separate chapels, each dedicated to a separate saint. 

Richard III connection

The Cathedral has a close association with King Richard III (1452-1485) whose forces were defeated at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. This battle was fought a few miles south-west of Leicester.

Following discovery of Richard III's burial place the remains were re-buried on March 26th, 2015 in Leicester Cathedral.

 

Richard III Portrait in Leicester Cathedral