Archaeology

The Bosworth Battlefield Collection: 15th century metalwork found during the survey and probably lost by combatants.

The Bosworth Battlefield Collection: Late Medieval silver-gilt livery badge in the form of an eagle. Kevin Schürer (University of Leicester) believes that it is a fettered falcon and is part of the livery of Arthur Plantagenet. He was the illegitimate son of King Edward IV, and the falcons head facing right (the wrong way) is a symbol of illegitimacy. Edward IV was king before his brother Richard and was the father of the princes in the tower. There is no record of Arthur being present at Bosworth, but he could have been of fighting age, being born between 1461 and 75 - or perhaps one of his close household fought in his place?

The Bosworth Battlefield Collection: Roman horse and rider brooch.

The Bosworth Battlefield Collection: Copper alloy hand from Roman figurine.

Medieval Coal Mining: The Coleorton Tunic is one of the oldest pieces of work clothing discovered in Britain and is especially significant. This woollen tabby-woven garment dates to around the 1550s and has evidence of yellow and blue dyes. Its sleeves and inset panels were possibly made of linen which has not survived.

Medieval Coal Mining: Replica Coleorton Tunic.

Medieval Coal Mining: The remains of around 25 leather boots and shoes were found in the mine workings. Some are child sized, indicating the presence of child miners. One child’s boot was cut down from larger boot, showing how working people re-purposed items.

Medieval Coal Mining: The Coleorton Coat is one of a very small number of long waistcoats of 17th century type found in Western Europe. It was found in 17th century longwall workings at the mine.

Medieval Coal Mining: Tudor one-piece wooden shovel, carved from a single piece of oak and probably originally tipped with a strip of iron across the end of the blade.