Richard III Tomb Design Unveiled

The design of the £2.5m tomb, where King Richard III will be reburied at Leicester Cathedral, has been unveiled.

Leicester Cathedral announced four 'certainties' for the re-interment of King Richard III in spring 2015. The first is that no appeal against the Judicial Review decision has been lodged; the second that the final design for the tomb has been approved; the third that the project costs have been finalised; and the fourth that the person who will create the coffin has been agreed.

The tomb design which has been accepted by the Cathedral Fabrics Commission for England shows a large, shaped block of Swaledale stone with a deeply incised cross, above a dark plinth of Kilkenny stone, carved with King Richard’s name, dates, motto and coat of arms. The stones are chosen both for their inherent beauty and to ensure the prominence of carved features.

The coffin will be built by Michael Ibsen, a known direct descendent of Richard lll’s sister, Anne. He is a cabinet maker by trade and has agreed to build the coffin in which the King will be laid to rest next year.

The total project budget will be £2,500,000 to which the Diocese of Leicester will contribute £500,000 for central costs, fees, contingency and initial preparation of the Cathedral. This means the Cathedral will be fundraising from private sources for the services and events, the extensive capital works on the Cathedral in readiness for the tomb and ambulatory, the windows, learning and interpretation. Over £100,000 has already been donated and further substantial sums are expected in the coming weeks.

The coffin in wood will be made by the descendent of the King, Michael Ibsen, while the tomb will be made of Swaledale fossil stone quarried in North Yorkshire.

The tomb will be sit on a dark plinth of Kilkenny stone, carver with King Richard's name, dates, motto and coat of arms.

It is expected the King Richard III's remains will be laid to rest in spring 2015.

(CVS/CD)