Richard III
Society
Patron: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
Richard III
Society
Patron: HRH The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO
The Richard III Society
Researching and reassessing the legacy of the last Plantagenet King
Welcome to the historical fellowship dedicated since 1924 to securing a balanced assessment of the king. We support research into his life and times, following the reburial in Leicester Cathedral which provided new opportunities for reassessment.
Mission Statement
In the belief that many features of the traditional accounts of the character and career of Richard III are neither supported by sufficient evidence nor reasonably tenable, the Society aims to promote, in every possible way, research into the life and times of Richard III, and to secure a reassessment of the material relating to this period, and raise awareness of the role in history of this monarch.
History of the Society
The legacy of the Fellowship of the White Boar
the leicester discovery in 2012
Today, the Society has grown into an international organization with branches worldwide. We support scholarly research and maintain a library of resources dedicated to the 15th century, continuing our mission into the modern era.
Research & Scholarship
The Historical Background of Richard III
Born in 1452 at Fotheringhay Castle, Richard III was the final monarch of the House of York and the last of the Plantagenet dynasty. His brief reign from 1483 to 1485 was marked by significant legal reforms, including the introduction of the 'Presumption of Innocence' and the first laws written entirely in English. Despite his administrative contributions, his legacy was long overshadowed by Tudor historiography following his death at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Richard III and His World
Explore the historical context and life of the last Plantagenet King through our extensive society research.
Research & Resources
The Society maintains a vast library of resources and primary sources dedicated to the 15th century and the King's reign.
Ricardian Places
Some of the places that would have been familiar to Richard sadly no longer exist, many are now in ruins, but most are still available to visit.
Upcoming Events, Podcasts, Zoom Lectures & Meetings
Events & Meetings
july 4 & 5 2026
Middleham Festival 2026
Book here for the Yorkshire Branch and Society events on 4th and 5th July respectively
Zoom Lectures & Podcasts
In the new episode of The Ricardian Podcast we shine the spotlight on the mysterious life of the man who called himself Richard of England but who came to be known in history as Perkin Warbeck.
Born in around 1474, this individual claimed to be the son of Edward IV and made at least three bids to dethrone Henry VII in the 1490s.
In the centuries since opinion has largely accepted the story laid down by Henry VII that this claimant […]
Richard III Society Convention
sep 25-26 2026
Social Evening, Feast & Convention
Nottingham
Members Only
Programme & Booking Forms from us
Booking Deadline Sep 1 2026
News & Updates
news archive
To see previous Society news articles, visit our News Archive using the button below.
Aug 15, 2026
Society Branch Activity Update
Our regional branches have reported a record turnout for the summer lecture series across the UK and Australia.
MEDIA CENTRE
For background information for the media, including press releases, visit our Media Centre using the button below.