Leicester Cathedral is pleased to announce a special programme of events taking place from Monday 16 March to Saturday 21 March 2026, commemorating the 2015 reinterment of King Richard III.
This unique week – In the Presence of a King – invites visitors to explore the life, death, legacy, and cultural impact of England's last Plantagenet king through talks, performances, and historical experiences.
Programme Highlights
Monday 16 March | 7.00pm (doors 6.30pm)
The Princes in the Tower: Talk by Matthew Lewis
Author and historian Matthew Lewis examines one of the most enduring mysteries in English history: the fate of Richard III's nephews, the Princes in the Tower. Rather than ask who killed them, Lewis explores whether they may have survived – and if so, whether their return threatened the reign of Henry VII.
Tickets available via Eventbrite.
Wednesday 18 March | 7.00pm (doors 6.15pm)
1 King, 2 Princes, and Shakespeare's Lie
In this electrifying one-man performance, the myths surrounding Richard III come under scrutiny. Was he the villain Shakespeare painted him to be, or was history written by his enemies? Blending fact, fiction, and dramatic storytelling, this event invites audiences to reconsider the king's legacy.
Tickets available via Eventbrite (VIP ticket option includes performance + Q&A).
Thursday 19 March | 7.00pm (doors 6.30pm)
Excavating and Analysing the King in the Carpark: Talk by Jo Appleby
This talk traces the extraordinary archaeological journey behind the discovery and scientific analysis of Richard III. Jo Appleby explains the complex forensic methods used to identify the remains, assess his life and health, and reconstruct the events surrounding his death.
Tickets available via Eventbrite.
Friday 20 March | 7.00pm (doors 6.45pm)
Medieval Banquet
Travel back to late medieval England with an immersive evening of dining and entertainment. Guests will enjoy a feast fit for a king accompanied by live period music from The York Waites, specialists in 16th‑century European repertoire. The dress code for the evening is smart casual, with medieval costumes welcome.
Tickets available via Eventbrite.
Creative Workshop
Saturday 21 March | 10.00am–12.00pm
Silver Jewellery Workshop: Medieval‑Style White Rose Pendant
A special hands‑on workshop where participants can create a handcrafted medieval‑inspired silver pendant featuring the white rose, a symbol closely associated with the House of York.
Booking available via Eventbrite.
Later Event – April 2026
Thursday 23 April | 7.00pm (doors 6.30pm)
Bloody Be Thine End: Talk by Mathew Morris
One of the lead archaeologists involved in the original search for Richard III, Mathew presents new insights from modern forensic science into the king's life and death.
Tickets available via Eventbrite.
The discovery and reinterment of King Richard III made international headlines and re‑ignited global interest in this period of medieval history. Leicester Cathedral's commemorative week offers visitors the chance to engage with that remarkable story – through scholarship, performance, archaeology, and immersive historical experience.
Leicester Cathedral is proud to continue its role in presenting this rich part of our nation's history to local communities, national audiences, and international visitors.
For further information or to book tickets, please visit Eventbrite.
