The story of the search for the missing anointed king of England, by a dedicated and committed team of historians, social scientists and archaeologists is well known and well recorded. How this small group of enthusiasts relentlessly pursued their passion to seek, to find and ultimately make safe the mortal remains of Richard III is an example of historical and archaeological rigour, patience and hard work, but above all a belief in a mission âto seek, to find and to make safeâ. Richard IIIâs rediscovered remains will be re-interred at Leicester Cathedral in March 2015.
A ceremonial cortège will travel from the scene of the Battle of Bosworth to Leicester City via Sutton Cheney, Newbold Verdon and Desford, on Sunday 22nd March, passing at walking pace and finishing the journey through the county in front of Bosworth Academy. The procession will be characterised by âdignity and honourâ befitting of an historical figure of such stature.
Take part and be heard
In order to mark this remarkable event and to bring a contemporary relevance, the community of Desford are constructing a âCascade and swathâ of 5929 White York Roses. Each rose representing one of the 5929 instances of a citizens of Leicestershire who go missing every year, the vast majority are young people. Each instance of a missing person is caused by a failure to protect often the most vulnerable in our society. As with the passion to seek, find and make safe King Richard, we pledge to seek, find and make safe those young people who for whatever reason go missing each year in Leicestershire.
You can play your part and make a rose
 Plastic Template |
 Paper Template |
. | To realise this important installation, and to demonstrate your commitment to searching for, finding and making safe those missing, we are all encouraged to make a rose and add your contribution to the installation. Regardless of age, ability, or skill you can make your own White Rose based on the iconic symbol of the House of York Rose out of paper, plastic, plasticine, ceramic, wood or any material you feel happy to work in. You can download a template to guide you, by clicking the relevant image on the left. |
For a guide to making your own rose out of a plastic bottle view the video below:
You can bring your rose to the Academy reception any day between 09.00 and 15.30 for it to be added to the installation from 1st March onwards. Or simply bring your rose with you to the Academy on Saturday 21st or Sunday 22nd March, and our marshals will guide you as to how, and where, to add your rose to the installation. This will be in time for Richard IIIâs re interment procession, and helping you to mark this event with dignity and honour, and help to raise awareness of those still missing today.
To seek, to find, to make safe
Our aim is to raise awareness of this silent tragedy affecting our community, and for the efforts of the search for Richard III to bear additional fruits in helping our community seek, find and make safe those missing today. Leicestershire had 5929 reported incidents regarding missing people, with by far the largest group being those aged 12-18.*
The route
Following a private ceremony at 12.30pm at Fenn Lane Farm in Upton, where the King is thought to have lost his life, the cortege will stop at Dadlington at 1.20pm, and Sutton Cheney at 1.55pm, before travelling to Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre for a service at 2.30pm.
The cortege will then visit Market Bosworth at 3.40pm before passing through Newbold Verdon at 4pm, and the cortège will pass the front of Bosworth Academy Desford at 4.10pm, on its way into Leicester. It is recommended that if you wish to witness this event you make provision to be at the curb side early, and consider parking and the weather conditions.
More information about the events taking place in the county and city is available at: www.kingrichardinleicester.com
The White Rose âCascade and Swathâ installation is intended to form a dignified and honourable expression from the county of Leicestershire to commemorate the passing of an anointed king of England, who was missing, was found and taken to a final safe resting place. Richard III will be finally laid to rest in the heart of the City Cathedral.
Travel and traffic advice
Rolling road closures, parking restrictions and diversions will be in place â the local authority will be putting up signs but traffic disruption is inevitable so please allow more time for journeys and plan ahead.
If you want to see the cortege, it is recommended that you find a safe space in one of the larger places on the route such as Market Bosworth or Leicester, and avoid Dadlington and Sutton Cheney where space and parking is extremely limited.
Some parking provision may be available at the Academy but please look out for updates on this website.
To seek, to find, to make safe
Missing People is a UK charity that provides a lifeline when someone disappears. We offer dedicated support to missing people and their families through our 24/7 helpline. We listen in confidence, support people who are missing and their families and, where possible, we help families and their missing loved ones to reconnect. We provide our services through working in partnership with the police, social services, other charities and professionals. We work with many media outlets to create publicity for cases upon request of families. We also undertake research and policy work to understand the experiences of missing people and families. We couldnât achieve this without the great support of fundraisers and communities.
In terms of donations, people can visit:
www.missingpeople.org.uk/donate
Or, send a cheque to:
Missing People
284 Upper Richmond Road West
London
SW14 7JE
* Home Office Statistic 2012/2013
Join us on 22nd March
The Academy facilities will be open from midday on Sunday 22nd March for light refreshments in keeping with the tone of a dignified and honourable occasion.
In attendance will be:
James Head
Author
James is a descendant of the Plantagenet dynasty and a living relation of Richard I of England – uncle to Richard III.
David Mason
Master in Medieval English History Oxford University. David will be posing a debate on the topic of âRichard III villain or vilifiedâ.
A copy of the ‘To Seek, To Find, To Make Safe’ leaflet can be downloaded using the link below:
Bosworth Academy ‘To Seek, To Find, To Make Safe’ [pdf]
Enquiries to Mr Tim Empson [email protected] or 01455 822841