King’s cortege procession route announced for a ceremonial procession bringing King Richard III’s mortal remains to their final resting place in the heart of Leicester.

King’s cortege procession route announced

 PREPARATIONS are underway for a ceremonial procession bringing King Richard III’s mortal remains to their final resting place in the heart of Leicester.
The king’s mortal remains are due to be taken from the University of Leicester to the place of his death at Bosworth Field and then on to Leicester Cathedral for his reinterment next month, stopping along the way on places both in the city and the county which would have played a role in his life and death.
As part of that, thousands of residents and businesses along the route are being informed of how the spectacular commemorations will unfold and what arrangements are being made for the once-in-a-lifetime event.
Organisers are expecting huge public interest in the procession, meaning a series of rolling road closures and special arrangements to ensure an unobstructed route through the city.
The king’s remains are being brought into the city at around 4.30pm on Sunday, March 22, coming in via the A47 to Bow Bridge – the site of the original bridge from which King Richard is believed to have ridden out to battle at Bosworth Field in 1485.
Following a short welcome to the city, the cortege will then visit the nearby medieval St Nicholas Church for a short service at 4.50pm (ticket only). It will leave there at approximately 5.15pm to travel through the city centre via High Street, the Clock Tower, Gallowtree Gate, Halford Street, Rutland Street, Pocklingtons Walk and Grey Friars.
At around 5.45pm the king’s coffin will be handed over to the care of Leicester Cathedral, where it will lie in repose until his reinterment on Thursday, March 26.
Letters are being sent out today to residents and businesses along the route, telling them of road closures, parking restrictions and other temporary arrangements needed for the procession.
A number of events and services are taking place from March 21 to March 29 across the city as part of the reinterment, which will also have implications for traffic, travel and those living and working in the city centre.
On Thursday, March 26, King Richard III will be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral in a spectacular ceremony attended by guests and media from across the world.
Finally, on Friday, March 27, the sealed tomb will be revealed to the public for the first time – an event also expected to lead to a huge number of visitors to the city.
Both events will involve temporary road closures, restrictions on waiting and parking, disruption to deliveries and the need to keep key routes around the cathedral free from street furniture and clutter.
City Mayor Peter Soulsby said: “The story of King Richard has caught the imagination of people across the world, and the events next month mean Leicester will once again be at the centre of international media attention.
“We also realise that for many people living and working near to the cathedral or the procession route, the sheer scale of such an event is going to mean disruption and changes to their normal working day.
“There will be road closures, additional security and thousands of extra people visiting the city during that time, as well as a huge media presence over that period.
“We’re writing to all residents and businesses in the city likely to be affected by this, so we can explain the arrangements for those few days and give them time to ask questions and make alternative plans if need be.
“I would hope people across the city make the most of this extraordinary occasion and help us to make it go smoothly, to create an event of which we can be justifiably proud.”
People are being asked to note that all timings are approximate.
you can read our FAQ’s about the reinterment route at www.leicester.gov.uk/reinterment

King Richard in Leicester