A dawn vigil near to where King Richard lost his life

A dawn vigil and a re-enactment marked the start of a special day for Leicestershire, as the region prepares for the re-burial of King Richard.

Staff from the Bosworth Battlefield Heritage Centre gathered at Fenn Lane farm, an area thought to be the closest point to where the King lost his life in battle.

It was in this area that the 'Bosworth Boar' was found, a solid silver, gilded badge worn by someone of high rank, such as a knight from the King's household.

This badge was found on the edge of the only dated medieval marsh, suggesting that this could be the site where Richard III lost his horse in that final melee, before losing his life on August 22nd 1485.

Thousands are expected to turn out today with the King's cortege travelling around key historical sites, before arriving at Leicester Cathedral.

The King's journey will include a private ceremony at 12:30pm at Fenn Lane Farm, where there will be the blessing of a casket of three different soils.

The coffin will also be dressed by staff from the Bosworth Battlefield Centre before it travels through the local villages on its way back into the City of Leicester.