We want just a modest tomb for Richard III, say cathedral chiefs

The design brief for Richard’s tomb was yesterday revealed by Leicester Cathedral’s chapter, which states its preference for “a place of simple dignity.”

The brief will guide architects and sets out how Richard’s remains will be re-interred on the spot where a memorial stone commemorating the king currently sits, in the cathedral’s chancel.

In the chapter’s design brief it is stated their preference “is to mark the place of burial with a ledger stone”, possibly with a “decorative border.”

The proposal of a ledger stone, which sits flat to the floor, goes against the suggestion of the campaign group

The Richard III Society which had recently published its design ideas for a raised tomb, embellished with marble, metal and the late king’s symbols.

However, the chapter’s design brief appears to rule out any grand memorial, stating: “While other forms of grave, tomb or memorial cannot be ruled out prior to consultation, it is unlikely that a large table top tomb or effigy would be acceptable to the chapter or the Cathedrals Fabric Commission for England (CFCE).”

The cathedral chapter is to commission the work but says it is working closely with the University of Leicester, the city council, the mayor’s office and the Richard III Society, to determine the final design.

The first stage of the consultation is expected to finish in July, with work beginning on the tomb in January, 2014.

The cathedral is estimating the formal re-interment of the king’s remains will take place in May next year, with a large memorial service.

Discussions have also started about his remains “lying in state” at the cathedral before being formally re-interred.

Campaigners have been calling for Richard III to be brought back to Yorkshire for burial and it has been revealed that the police have been contacted after the Very Rev Vivienne Faull received threatening letters after refusing to publicly oppose plans to bury him in Leicester.