Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
Year 13 Historians Explore Richard III's Legacy
15 March 2024
The Year 13 Historians, accompanied by Miss Glover, visited Leicester to enhance their studies of the Wars of the Roses and Richard III. This visit was particularly topical given that earlier in the week they had partaken in a debate on whether Richard was an able ruler.
The day began with a visit to Leicester Cathedral, the site where Richard III is buried. The girls admired his tomb and the grandeur of the setting, appreciating the stained-glass windows which were inspired by Richard’s life and the Battle of Bosworth, which they have recently learnt about.
Next, the girls took a short walk to the King Richard III Visitor Centre, which was built on the site where Richard’s remains were found. The girls enjoyed revisiting what they had learnt in their History lessons, immersing themselves in the interactive exhibits as well as the very useful timeline of the events of the Wars of the Roses. They learnt about the science behind identifying Richard, as well as his various depictions in popular culture. A particular favourite was the section on Philippa Langley, who pioneered the search for Richard, which even included the wellies she wore when Richard III’s remains was discovered!
They were then treated to a thoroughly enjoyable and engaging talk on historiography and presentations of Richard throughout history, where they discussed the reliability of sources and the reasons for the deterioration of Richard’s reputation in the Tudor period. Students engaged with the lecturer on her views on Richard’s involvement in the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower demonstrating impressive knowledge and enthusiasm. After this they continued to admire the museum and its offerings, before visiting the excavated site where Richard was found. The girls marvelled at the projection of Richard’s bones and the history of the former Grey Friars Church.
They then enjoyed a delightful lunch together where they discussed what they had learnt during the day, before catching the train back to Birmingham.
A wonderful day was had by all, with Charlotte even calling it ‘The best school trip she has ever been on!’
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