Bosworth Field Visitor Centre

The Bosworth Field Visitor Centre is a gateway into the battlefield that saw the conflict between the royal houses of York and Lancaster during the War of the Roses – the Battle of Bosworth Field in Leicestershire, England.

Considered by many to have been the final (others say penultimate) battle of the Wars of the Roses, the visitor centre contains a wealth of information, including displays and exhibitions, about the battle and those who fought it.

Bosworth Field Visitor Centre history

The Battle of Bosworth itself occurred on the 22 August, 1485 as Henry Tudor led his small rebel army to face the larger royal forces of King Richard III. A marsh stood between the armies, and the Stanleys – whose loyalty was unknown – positioned themselves to the side.

Soon, Richard saw the battle going against his favour and charged across the marsh to kill Henry. Richard lost his horse in the marsh and was surrounded and killed. The Stanleys unofficially then crowned Henry king.

The Bosworth Field Visitor Centre opened at Ambion Hill Farm in 1974. However, the exact location of the battle was unknown as it was never written down. Based on academic research at the time, the best theories pointed towards the area around Ambion Hill Farm

Until October 2009, the location of Bosworth Field Visitor Centre was thought to have been the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field. The field which was thought to have been the battle site was marked to show the events of the battle. However, in February 2010, historians confirmed that the real site was around a mile away, either side of Fenn Lane.

Bosworth Field Visitor Centre today

The Bosworth Field Visitor Centre offers 2 kilometre-long guided walks of the battlefield on Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays at 11am and 2pm – visitors are advised to pre-book and the timings are subject to change. The centre also offers medieval archery at the Garrison, and ‘Knight School’ provides an interactive session for young people.

Bosworth Quest Gallery you can also view items telling the story of the battle, including 15th century metalwork found during the Battlefield Survey, a 34 round-shot found at Fenn Lane and the tiny silver gilt boar badge that has hinted at where King Richard made his last stand.

Getting to Bosworth Field Visitor Centre

Open between Monday to Wednesday and weekends from 10am to 5pm, the Bosworth Field Visitor Centre is located in rural Leicestershire. The easiest way to get there is by driving: take the M42 or A5 and exit onto the A444, heading for Bosworth Road or Fenn Lanes. There is parking for £2.50 at the visitor centre.