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Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology survey

Posted on 30/10/09

Community Services

29 October 2009

Leicestershire County Council reveals results of groundbreaking archaeology survey

Leicestershire County Council today held a press conference at Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre to announce the conclusion of a groundbreaking three year archaeological survey to locate the battle of Bosworth, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

Battlefields Trust archaeologist, Glenn Foard, revealed an exciting collection of finds from the Battle of Bosworth of international archaeological significance.

In his presentation, Glenn Foard said:

"The archaeological survey of Bosworth battlefield has so far produced 22 lead roundshot fired from artillery and bullets fired from early hand guns – more than all the lead roundshot from all the other battlefields of the 15th and 16th century in Europe put together.

"We brought together a team of specialists from various disciplines to apply the techniques of battlefield archaeology to search for the battlefield. While all this evidence took us to the general area where the action was fought, it was systematic archaeological survey with metal detectors that was the method by which we finally located the battlefield.

"The combined evidence proves that the battle was fought in the area between the villages of Dadlington, Shenton, Upton and Stoke Golding – in a location not previously suggested."

"Bosworth has shown the potential of archaeology to contribute to our understanding of the Origins of Firepower – a story of international significance which must now be explored on battlefields across Europe."

Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Museums, said:

"The Battle of Bosworth is one of the most pivotal moments in British history and Leicestershire County Council is incredibly proud to have commissioned a groundbreaking survey that has shed new light on the events of the battle and that will shape the way battlefields are investigated in the future. Thanks must be given to all those involved in the archaeology survey, including the dedicated volunteers and local landowners, who have kindly worked with us over the years on this project."

Helen Emery, Project Director of Bosworth Battlefield, said:

"The news today is truly amazing and very exciting. All the Heritage Centre team have supported and encouraged the research throughout and today is a great day for history, battlefield archaeology and Bosworth."

Des Gallagher, Acting Head of Heritage Lottery Fund East Midlands, said:

"We at HLF are proud to have been able to support the groundbreaking archaeological survey that has led to these discoveries. The finds that have been revealed today offer a new insight into the Battle of Bosworth, giving us all the chance to learn more about one of the most famous conflicts in our nation’s history"

The English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments for the East Midlands, Jon Humble, said:

"This is the second epic victory on Bosworth's history-steeped soil - and this time it is one for the archaeologists and all who supported this world-class example of what can be achieved through archaeological research. After more than 500 years, Leicestershire's landscape has at last revealed one of its greatest and, until now, most elusive secrets.

"The key message is that this is a truly magnificent result for archaeology, Bosworth and all those who have supported the project."

Professor Richard Holmes, President of the Battlefields Trust said:

"In terms of time and place, 1485 and Bosworth have an enormous resonance in English history. Just as they mark the beginning of the Tudor dynasty, so too they reflect a wider change from the late middle ages to the beginning of the early modern period. In one sense, these important new discoveries make the point perfectly. Cannon balls were fired from gunpowder weapons which would soon change the face of battle, and these particular projectiles arced away from the muzzles of cannon hauled up from the Tower of London, where the monarchy husbanded this key military resource.

"Leicestershire County Council has long recognised the importance of the Bosworth battlefield, and this latest round of painstaking archaeology, carried out by the Battlefields Trust, has established, beyond reasonable doubt, where the first major contact between royal and rebel armies took place on that August morning. There is still much more to discover, but at last we have a site that goes beyond scholarly speculation and passionate local controversy. We can now see where those round-shot thudded into the Leicestershire soil when Richard Plantagenet was still King of England and Henry Tudor was a mere pretender. We are given to using expressions like 'exciting' and 'ground-breaking' too easily, but no historical discovery has elated me more than this one, and I have seldom felt more conscious of being able to touch the past."

Exact details of the battlefield will not be revealed until further work has been carried out on the survey area, so as to protect the anonymity of the fields from illicit night hawkers.

Leicestershire County Council will be working with The Battlefields Trust, The Heritage Lottery and English Heritage to protect the battlefield area for future generations.

The full and final report will be announced at a conference in February 2010 to be held at County Hall in Glenfield, Leicestershire.

Finds from the Battle of Bosworth will be available for the public to view in a new gallery in Bosworth’s award-winning exhibition at the Heritage Centre from Easter 2010. For further details visit www.bosworthbattlefield.com

- ends-

Notes to editors:

The following appendices are included for use as quotes and for further information:

The full and exciting presentation on the Battle of Bosworth by Glenn Foard, including detailed information on the Battlefield archaeology finds and their significance.

Details of the presentation from Heather Broughton, Acting Director of Community Services of Leicestershire County Council.

Details of the presentation from Frank Baldwin, Chairman of The Battlefields Trust, along with background information on the Trust and its work.

Useful websites for information include:

• Bosworth Battlefield – www.bosworthbattlefield.com
• Heritage Lottery Fund – www.hlf.org.uk
• The Battlefields Trust – www.battlefieldstrust.com
• English Heritage – www.english-heritage.org.uk

Photographs

Images of the archaeological finds are available from Ian Holloway on 01455 290 429 or ian.holloway@leics.gov.uk

Interviews

For interviews and media enquiries, please contact the press office on 0116 305 7045

Interviews are available from

• Glenn Foard, Project Officer for The Battlefields Trust
• Cllr Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council’s Cabinet Lead Member for Museums

Bosworth Battlefield is owned by Leicestershire County Council and is the location of the Battle of Bosworth. The battle, which took place on 22 August 1485, brought an end to 30 years of English civil war, now known as the War of the Roses and saw the infamous King Richard III lose both his life and crown to Henry Tudor.

Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage. HLF has supported more than 28,800 projects, allocating over £4.3billion across the UK, including £226.9 million of grants to 2,500 projects in the East Midlands

English Heritage is Government's adviser on the historic environment.  EH maintains a Register of Historic Battlefields, and it provides expert advice to landowners, local authorities and other stakeholders on the conservation management, public appreciation and enjoyment of registered battlefields.  At Bosworth, EH provides such advice on an ongoing basis, and it has been a robust advocate of the need for new archaeological research to inform appropriate management, access and interpretation.

Address: Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre and Country Park, Sutton Cheney, CV13 0AD

For further information, please contact Mel Atkinson on 0116 305 7045 or visit www.bosworthbattlefield.com