Treason 1485: The demise of Richard III

This in conversation event will dig deeper into the story of Richard III and his eventual rediscovery in a car park.

The period we now know as the Wars of the Roses was characterised by violent battles, rival factions, and accusations of treason. Kings could be made and unmade through victory or defeat in battle.

At Bosworth Field in August 1485, Richard III became the last English king to die in battle, fighting against the man who would seize the throne as Henry VII, his body interred in a bare grave in Leicester. His death, however, was not the final chapter in Richard’s story - within months Richard had been posthumously charged with high treason...

Join historian Matthew Lewis and archaeologist Professor Turi King, as they dig deeper into the story of Richard’s final months and demise, and the fascinating story of the re-discovery and identification of his remains ten years ago.

Matt and Turi will be in conversation with principal records specialist of medieval collections, Euan Roger. Their discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.

This event is part of a season of events and activities accompanying our new exhibition, Treason: People, Power & Plot – opening Saturday 5 November, free and open to all. Find out more at nationalarchives.gov.uk/treason

Matt Lewis is a medieval historian and writer who is also Chair of the Richard III Society. Matt co-hosts the podcast Gone Medieval, as well as being Senior Presenter at History Hit. His books include a biography of Richard III, his father Richard, Duke of York, and The Survival of the Princes in the Tower.

Turi King is Professor of Public Engagement and Genetics at the University of Leicester. Turi is a scientist, presenter, speaker and author who uses genetics in the fields of forensics, history, genealogy and archaeology. She presents the BBC series DNA Family Secrets and is perhaps best known her work “cracking one of the biggest forensic DNA cases in history”, leading the genetic analysis for the identification of King Richard III in 2012.

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