Police World Edition 3 2015

Article

In Another Part of the Field The drama of laying to rest the bones of King Richard III was witnessed first-hand by Leicestershire Branch member Eddie Smallwood. Here’s his story. I n 2002, I retired from Leicestershire decker buses transported ticket holders to the site, ready for the service. The event was completed with dignity and

Constabulary after 33 years as cadet and constable. I had an interest in the ‘Wars of the Roses’ and the Battle of Bosworth, which was fought about a mile from where I live, so I applied to become a battlefield tour guide at the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre. As one of eight guides employed to take members of the public on tours around the battlefield, I explain all about the Battle of Bosworth, how it was fought, who did what, where and when. Following the discovery of the remains of King Richard III under a car park in Leicester in 2012, another lengthy battle took place through the courts as to where he should be laid to rest, with Leicester finally being chosen as the final resting place. Once the decision had been made, plans for a fitting ceremony commenced, culminating in the fantastic re-interment ceremonies that took place during the last few days of March this year. These were attended by thousands at various locations in and around Leicester and watched by hundreds of thousands more around the globe via broadcasts from one of the numerous television companies. On Sunday 22 March, I was proud to play a small part of these once in a life time series of events which marked the life and death of the last King of England to lead his men into battle and lose his life. I was just one of a team that work at the battlefield centre who were involved in putting on a fitting and remarkable service to remember Richard and all those killed in the battle 530 years ago. A ticket only audience of about 2,000 people were allowed to watch as the cortege, which had visited locations connected with the battle arrived at the centre, before the coffin. This was made by a descendant of the King and contained King Richard’s remains; it was placed on a hand pulled bier and taken to the top of Ambion Hill, the highest point of the heritage site for a short service. The atmosphere on the day was amazing. The crowds of people were all keen and happy to be there and it was a pleasure to deal with a happy crowd of people. Everyone had to be brought to, and taken from, the site by bus so the logistics, staffing, communications and procedures were very similar to dealing with major public events when in ‘the job’. From early morning, the whole area around the centre was in ‘lockdown’ as roads around the site were closed, a one way system put in place and double

respect and was enjoyed by everyone present. There were stalls selling food to the audience, as well as lots of re-enactors in costume who had set up camps and demonstrated crafts and skills to the audience. People of all ages and from all over the world became a part of the history of our country. This was a unique event to have been a part of, with so many unforgettable images. At the end of the week long events, thousands of people had visited the battlefield centre, and even more interest has been generated about the battle, the guided walks and many other activities we provide. Anyone interested in visiting the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre can find more information on: http://www.bosworthbattlefield.com/ Eddie Smallwood , Leicestershire Branch

Photographs courtesy of fellow guides Dave Webster and John Whitehead

POLICE WORLD Vol 60 No. 3, 2015

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