ONE of history’s most maligned monarchs could be central to Barnard Castle’s Meet celebrations next year.
In 1474 when Richard Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III, was 21, he became Lord of Barnard Castle.
Until his demise 11 years later, in 1485 at the battle of Bosworth Field, Barnard Castle was of great importance to him.
He spent a significant amount of time and money in Barney and his white boar emblem still adorns the town’s coat of arms.
Next year marks the 550th anniversary of his association with the town and a Ricardian group is hoping Barney’s Meet will embrace the celebration.
Members of The Northern Dales Richard III society, which has around 70 members, have said they will don costumes of the period and join the traditional Whit weekend Meet parade.
Chairwoman of the group, Kim Harding, told members of the Meet committee at a recent meeting, that in addition to the Windows to the King project, the group is organising a raft of events for the anniversary next year.
She said: “We have a special study day with four speakers, including writer Philippa Langley who found the remains of Richard III. She is speaking at the church on April 20.”
Mrs Harding suggested the Meet could adopt a historical theme next year.
She added: “I don’t think it will be right to be completely medieval as not everyone is into that.
“My thought is in terms of the period from 1474 right through to the present day to allow for groups to pick times that are not necessarily medieval.”
She also put forward the idea that the parade could be led by a mounted knight if she can persuade former Barney resident and eminent re-enactment equestrian trainer and rider, Dominic Sewell, who was one of two riders who escorted the Richard III remains at the 2015 reinterment.
She added: “He grew up here and he still does jousting. He has the full outfit and it would be amazing to start the parade.”
The Meet committee will host an open meeting on Tuesday, September 19, at the Red Well in Barnard Castle starting at 6.30pm.
Volunteers will get together ahead of the meeting on Sunday, September 10, at 5pm to take down bunting and union flags.
