Richard III's Leicester: A History Hit Audio Tour

This self-guided audio walking tour through medieval Leicester is hosted by historian and History Hit podcaster Matt Lewis. On this walking tour, you'll discover the dramatic history hiding behind the 2012 discovery of King Richard III beneath a city car park. Over the next hour, your smartphone's GPS automatically plays Matt’s narration at exactly the right time and place, letting you safely explore at your own pace. Starting at the Richard III Visitor Centre, you'll track the final footsteps of England’s last Plantagenet king. You'll learn the secrets of the Newarke Gateway, pass the drafty remains of Leicester Castle, and look down at the ancient Roman wall. You'll walk to Bow Bridge to learn the grim legend of Richard's departure, explore St. Nicholas Church, and marvel at the architecture of Guildhall Lane. The tour finishes at the Cathedral Gardens by Richard's statue and final tomb. Download the app and step into history!

1. 1

   King Richard III Visitor Centre

   Pass by

   On this audio tour, you'll learn about how the 700-year-old remains of the lost king were discovered under a local car park in 2012, sparking a global fascination.

2. 2

   Leicester Cathedral

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   On this walking tour, you'll hear about how Richard III was finally reburied here in 2015 with dignity inside a tomb of Yorkshire fossil stone etched with his personal motto, "Loyalty Binds Me".

3. 3

   The Magazine Gateway

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   On this GPS-guided tour, you'll find out how this imposing three-story sandstone archway featured an upper-floor medieval toilet that emptied directly into the ditch below.

4. 4

   Stop 4

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   On this immersive smartphone tour, you'll discover the small gun loops carved into the medieval stone for muskets when Royalist forces stormed the town during the English Civil War.

5. 5

   Leicester Castle

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   On this self-guided audio tour, you'll learn how Richard III chose to sleep at a public inn instead of this historic royal residence because the aging castle had become incredibly cold and drafty.

6. 6

   Stop 6

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   On this historical walking tour, you'll be treated to the story of the Leicester Town Wall, which contains some of the oldest Roman brickwork in the UK.

7. 7

   Stop 7

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   On this audio journey, you'll explore the site where a local wise woman supposedly predicted that the king's head would strike the bridge on his return from battle exactly where his spur hit it on the way out.

8. 8

   Stop 8

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   On this GPS-guided walk, you'll tune into how medieval builders recycled ancient infrastructure to build the church, utilizing bricks scavenged directly from neighboring Roman ruins.

9. 9

   Leicester Guildhall

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   On this smartphone walking tour, you'll find out how the street once formed a dark tunnel of shadows lined with timber houses that leaned so far out they nearly touched across the cobbles.

10. 10

    Stop 10

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    On this final tour stop, you'll hear about how the victorious Tudors used real physical traits like Richard's scoliosis to spin centuries of villainous propaganda.

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.