United Kingdom

Greyfriars, Leicester

Medieval Franciscan friary, Leicester (13th–16th century)

Location

Explore the Map

Historical Context

About

Greyfriars, Leicester, was a friary of the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, established on the west side of Leicester by 1250, and dissolved in 1535. Following dissolution the friary was demolished and the site levelled, subdivided, and developed over the following centuries. The locality has retained the name Greyfriars particularly in the streets named "Grey Friars", and the older "Friar Lane". The friary is best known as the burial place of King Richard III who was hastily buried in the friary church following his death at the Battle of Bosworth. An archaeological dig in 2012–13 successfully identified the site of the Greyfriars church and the location of Richard's burial. The grave site was incorporated into the 'Dynasty, Death and Discovery' museum which opened in 2014. In December 2017, Historic England scheduled the site.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history

Identification of remains

4 February 2013

Franciscans at Leicester

13th century

Franciscan arrival in Britain

1224

Choir completed

c. 1255

Nave completed

c. 1300

Burial of William of Nottingham

c. 1336

Permission to expand dwellings

1349

Friars' conspiracy and executions

1402

Parliament at Greyfriars

April 1414

Burial of Richard III

1485

Tomb commission payment

1495

Dissolution of the friary

1535

Demolition and material reuse

1538

Archaeological excavation

2012–2013

Museum opening

2014

Historic England scheduling

December 2017

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Defensive Structures

Defensive Walls
category

Public and Civic Structures

Council ChambersAdministrative Buildings
category

Burial and Funerary Structures

TombsGravesCemeteries
category

Religious and Ritual Structures

ChurchesCloistersAltars
category

Artistic and Decorative Features

ReliefsTraceryCarved Stone
category

Environmental and Natural Features

Soil Layers
category

Transportation and Communication Structures

Bridges
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore

Plan Your Visit

Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information

Reference

Details

Country

United Kingdom

Coordinates

52.63° N, -1.14° E