Leicester Cathedral was the site of a poignant and historic gathering last Wednesday (26 March 2025), as the city and county came together to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the reinterment of King Richard III.
The Civic Service of Thanksgiving celebrated the enduring legacy of the last Plantagenet king and the transformative impact his rediscovery has had on Leicester.
Civic dignitaries, including the Lord-Lieutenant of Leicestershire, High Sheriff of Leicestershire, the Lord Mayor and City Mayor of Leicester, and Chairman of the County Council joined members of the public and those involved in the discovery and reinterment in reflecting on the significance of King Richard III's story and its connection to the city.
The Very Reverend Karen Rooms, Dean of Leicester, led the service with words of welcome and reflection, emphasising the importance of remembering Richard not only as a historical figure, but as a human being whose story continues to resonate. The service also included prayers for the future, celebrating the unity and shared history of Leicester and its people.
The service featured moving musical performances by the Cathedral Choir, conducted by Dr. Christopher Ouvry-Johns, and organist David Cowen. Following the singing of the anthem Ghostly Grace, composed by Judith Bingham for the reinterment ten years ago, Cathedral clergy and representatives of the Richard III Society accompanied two children to the Tomb. There, the children laid a wreath of white roses, having made Leicester their home in recent years and representing the future generation of visitors and custodians of this resting place.
Dean Karen said: “With echoes of the Service of Reinterment ten years ago, and with fabulous music, poetry, and readings, we looked back at the last decade with gratitude and also reflection. These were years of immense change, with Brexit, the Covid pandemic, and our own reordering and building project. We look forward with hope to the next 10 years, navigating change and working with partners in the city and county.”
The reinterment of King Richard III in Leicester Cathedral on 26 March 2015, marked a turning point in the city's history, drawing global attention and fostering a sense of pride and identity.
The service was a fitting tribute to the decade of discovery, remembrance, and celebration that followed.
