King Richard's tomb revealed to the public

Tuesday 31st March 2015 18:20 EDT
 

The two-tonne block of pale Swaledale fossil limestone bears a deeply incised cross, while the darker plinth has his name, dates, motto and coat of arms.
About 35,000 people saw a procession on Sunday which took the remains to parts of the county associated with Richard's last days, and more than 20,000 people queued to see the coffin in the cathedral.
The tomb plinth bears the king's motto "Loyalty binds me"
The service contained traditional hymns and prayers and also a dance performance from the nearby Curve theatre.
Phil Stone, chair of the Richard III Society, said: "The tomb is something else. I had been worried about the design - the depth of the cross incised within it. But when you look at it, the stone is very special. I think for a medieval king reburied in the 21st Century, it's a fitting place."
The Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Lady Jennifer Gretton, said: "We have had three wonderful services and to end on a service like that is fantastic. This was more of a celebration and every service has caught the spirit that we needed at that time."
The redesigning of the cathedral's interior, along with the various events, were budgeted at £2.5m, with fundraising continuing.
Tim Stevens, the outgoing Bishop of Leicester, said: "It has been a wonderful week for Leicester Cathedral but more importantly it has been a wonderful week for the city and county. I feel like we have been touched by God and I hope and believe the area will make the most of the opportunity."


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