Police World Edition 3 2015

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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
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
decker buses transported ticket holders to the
site, ready for the service.
The event was completed with dignity and
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:
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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