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King Richard III Visitor Centre now open

King Richard lll Visitor Centre

The site where Richard III’s remains were discovered in 2012 has now become a museum to the English king and this remarkable archaeological find.

King Richard lll Visitor Centre

The King Richard III Visitor Centre, which cost £4 million to create, is situated in the heart of Leicester, occupying the 150-year-old Victorian building that stands on the site of the former Grey Friars Church where the English king was buried at after his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

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The centre includes exhibits about the life and reign of Richard III, a remarkably detailed facial reconstruction, and a replica of Richard’s skeleton that clearly shows his curved spine, as well as his battle injuries, including the fatal blow.

The replica skeleton was created by Loughborough University using the latest 3D printing techniques. Professor Russell Harris, head of Loughborough University’s Additive Manufacturing Research Group, explained “Generating the first 3D computer models was a very exciting moment. And later seeing the skull of Richard III emerge from the powder of the laser sintering machine in physical form was incredible.

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“It was quite clear to see a number of the significant injuries that he had sustained in battle, and at last the greater story of how the King met his death can be told. Recording various aspects of the remains, in both electronic and physical form, will be invaluable for future studies.”

Visitors will also be able to visit the site of King Richard’s burial, preserved in a quiet, respectful setting and with a contemplative atmosphere.

The centre was commissioned by Leicester City Council, and is run by an independent charitable trust made up of experts in business, finance, and heritage and visitor attractions.

You can visit the Centre’s website at www.kriii.com and follow them at Twitter at @KRIIICentre

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