It is hard to believe that 10 years have passed since the reinterment of Richard III at Leicester Cathedral, a momentous event which was also, for us, the culmination of our works up until that point.
We were initially commissioned by the Cathedral to deliver a reordering of the interior spaces for an improved, flexible layout which would enhance the many activities which take place there. This process was interrupted in 2012 when the bones of Richard III were discovered, astonishingly, in a Leicester car park.
The subsequent planned reinterment became incorporated into the reordering project, and we were asked to work on the design of a tomb and associated spaces. There followed a complex process of carefully considered design, funding, consents, consultation, conservation and coordination of specialist trades, to deliver in time for the reinterment a newly reconfigured cathedral and striking tomb ‘fit for a king’.
Leicester Cathedral are hosting events all this week (with the formal anniversary service being tomorrow) related to the reinterment, including a panel discussion on the process, and tours of the building – Book here.
“Leicester Cathedral set out to reinter King Richard III in March 2015 with dignity and honour, on behalf of a nation. Since then, so many of our greatly increased number of visitors, from all parts of the nation and globe, tell us how greatly impressed they are by the work, both of design and construction, that has created a magnificent tomb in a newly created ambulatory, appropriately adjacent to the Chapel of Christ the King.
We are truly fortunate to have such a creative design team to work with us to such powerful effect.” Pete Hobson – Project director (formerly for Leicester Cathedral)
You can find out more about the project, as well as the current works to deliver a new Heritage & learning Centre extension HERE.
