Arriving in Leicester in about 1224, the Franciscan Friars, or Grey Friars, founded their friary between what became Friar Lane and St. Francis’ Lane, now Peacock Lane. Both these lanes connected to the High Street, now Highcross Street, and the South Gate of the town. It was a perfect place for them to beg for alms on the busy streets of Leicester.
Little is known of the Friary except that three of its friars were involved in a treasonable act in 1402 for which they were executed at Tyburn, their heads being displayed on London Bridge. Their bodies were returned to the Friary where they were buried in the cemetery situated between the church and St. Francis’ Lane.
In August 1485, the body of King Richard III was taken to the friary, but legends also say that following the Dissolution, his body was dug up and thrown into the River Soar, near Bow Bridge.
The truth has now been revealed that Richard was indeed buried (although it would appear rather hastily) in the grounds of the Friary where he has remained until 2012 when University of Leicester archaeologists, uncovered him.
Richard was given a final resting place in Leicester Cathedral on 26th March 2015.
PLEASE REPLACE EXACTLY AS FOUND.
(See also GC4K93X - The Friars and the Royal Bones, GC4Y98D - The Newarke Gateway,, and GC5MCNH - The King is Dead, Long Live the King.
++++CONGRATULATIONS TO Kikikaty & Only MeUK for Joint FTF++++