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Richard III Society responds to "slab not tomb" decision

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The Richard III Society has delivered its formal response to Leicester Cathedral's decision to mark the king's final resting place with a slab and not a tomb. An architect's brief released in March stated a flat stone tablet would be the preferred monument for the medieval king. In a statement the society said: "It is the opinion of the Richard III Society and many others, including the citizens of Leicester itself, that King Richard should be given a table tomb. "He was an anointed king of England and has been unfairly treated by history. Following his defeat at the battle of Bosworth, Richard III was hastily buried in Leicester's Grey Friars church and in a grave so hastily cut, it was too small to contain his body. "In time, that grave was lost with the dissolution of the monasteries and for nearly half a millennium the remains of Richard III lay in obscurity. It is time to see the king honoured with a proper memorial, reversing the treatment meted out by his successors." It adds: "The finding of the lost remains of a fifteenth-century king is a unique occurrence that provides an equally unique opportunity for their interment in a manner that reflects their royal status and historical importance. "The public today and the generations to come will expect nothing less." Among reasons listed by the society backing its calls for a table tomb are;• All the Plantagenet kings, from Henry II to Edward IV, were originally commemorated with tombs rather than ledger stones. • Richard III would have planned for a table tomb in a separate chantry chapel as his successor, Henry VII did in Westminster Abbey.• Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, George V and Queen Mary all have table tombs in St George's Chapel, Windsor.• The overall aim of the 'Looking for Richard project' was, if found, honour him in a way that was denied him in 1485.• In two separate polls, the citizens of Leicester have voted overwhelmingly for a table tomb - 91% voted in favour in the Leicester Mercury, and 92% on Radio Leicester. Dr. Phil Stone, Chairman of the Richard III Society, said:"Richard III was the last of the Plantagenet line which ruled England for over three hundred years. It is only fitting that he be honoured with a table tomb." Philippa Langley, the originator of the quest to find the King, said: "The search for Richard III was always about honouring the last warrior King of England with a tomb. "This was at the heart of the project, and, indeed, was the reason the search to find him began. "It is my fervent hope that we will not allow history to be repeated, and that King Richard will be honoured with a tomb."

Richard III Society responds to


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