News and Events

Richard III Society

Leicestershire Branch

NO AUGUST MEETING IS HELD

All meetings are held at the Richard III Visitor Centre, 4A St. Martins, Leicester. LE1 5DB commencing at 7pm unless otherwise stated. Meetings are free to branch members, but visitors are requested to donate £3 towards the expenses of the meeting.

The Leicestershire Branch of the Richard III Society presents

THURSDAY JUNE 26th 2025

Further details can be obtained from the Branch Secretary (see Contact Page).

Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt – A 14th century love story between a king’s son and a foreign governess. Richard III’s grandmother was their daughter Joan. The rest of their descendants, known as the Beauforts, played a considerable role in the ‘Wars of the Roses. Frances Sparrow will tell us their story.

Guess who came to the Guildhall – A guided tour of Leicester Guildhall, looking at its visitors through time. The guides are even now busy researching the 15th century. N.B. The tour begins at 6pm. This will be followed by a meal at Bistrot Pierre, 10 Millstone Lane, Leicester LE1 5JN, for those who are interested. Meal timings and menus to follow.

Programme of speakers 2025/26

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18TH 2025

Outlaws in the Midlands – A welcome return to Gareth King who will enlighten us about the outlaws in our area, starting with the early 14th century Folville gang. The Folvilles were led by Eustace Folville who came from Ashby Folville in Leicestershire.

THURSDAY OCTOBER 16TH 2025

The Battle of Stoke Field – Fought on June 16th 1487 was the last battle in the ‘Wars of the Roses’. Kevin Winter, of the Battlefields Trust, will examine the details of the battle. By October results from stable isotope analysis may be available, giving us more information on human remains found on the site.

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 20th 2025

A Meal at Taste Restaurant – A three course meal and coffee is booked for 7pm at 'Taste', Leicester College, Freemen’s Park Campus, Aylestone Road, Leicester. LE2 7LW. Menu and prices to follow.

TUESDAY DECEMBER 9th 2025

Christmas through the Ages – Eddie Smallwood will tell us all about Christmas customs from late medieval times. Where do our Christmas customs originate and how much of what we do today would someone from the late Middle Ages even recognise?

NO MEETINGS ARE HELD IN JANUARY AND FEBRUARY

THURSDAY MARCH 19TH 2026

Medieval Bee Keeping – Beekeeping flourished during the Middle Ages with increased demand for honey and beeswax. Honey was used in food, drink and medicine, and the superior beeswax candles found favour with the nobility and the church. Caroline Wright will look at the industries that developed around bees and the practicality of keeping hives.

THURSDAY APRIL 16TH 2026

Journeying to Jerusalem in the 15th Century – Richard Smith’s talk is based on William Wey’s own itineraries of his journeys to Jerusalem in 1458 & 1462. His itineraries are fascinating and often humorous i.e. "First, if ye go in a galley, make your covenant with the patron betimes and choose you a place in the said galley in the overest stage (top deck) for in the lowest under it is right smouldering hot and stinking." You have been warned!

THURSDAY MAY 21ST 2026

Branch Annual General Meeting