Joint Liturgical Studies
Joint Liturgical Studies offers a valuable contribution to the
study of liturgy. Each issue considers a particular aspect of
liturgical development, such as the origins of the Roman rite,
Anglican Orders, welcoming the Baptised, and Anglican Missals. It
is aimed at all with an academic interest in worship.
It is published twice a year in partnership with the Alcuin
Club, which promotes the study of Christian liturgy, and the Group
for Renewal of Worship (GROW).
Volume 81: The Richard III Reinterment
Liturgies
Johannes Arens, Alexandra Buckle, Gordon Campbell and Tim
Stratford
When the bones found under a carpark near Leicester cathedral
were identified in 2013 as those of King Richard III, buried there
in haste after the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, enormous public
interest followed the find. There was already a longstanding debate
as to whether the king was the villain depicted by Shakespeare, or
the near-hero lauded by the Richard III Society. There now arose a
new (and somewhat passionate) debate as to where his bones should
be most appropriately re-buried. When this latter was by Judicial
Review decided in favour of Leicester cathedral, then, in the midst
of the continuing active life of the cathedral, the Dean and his
colleagues had to produce an overall plan for this virtually
unprecedented event. What kind of procession or other public airing
should lead to it? What kind of dignity, what kind of historical
sensitivity, should accompany this leading? Where would even hints
of a precedent be found?
Tim Stratford, the Archdeacon of Leicester and a member of the
Church of England Liturgical Commission, led a core group to
organize this whole sequence of events. In this Study he brings
together the accounts of four key members as to how their
particular expertise contributed to the total re-interment story.
In the process they brought detailed historical research into live
harmony with the perceived needs - and opportunity - of this
contemporary public Christian event. The Study places on record a
story fascinating in itself, and yet a rich resource for the
future.
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