Making A Difference
As a society, there are an number of areas where we would like to focus our resources.
Research
Sadly, many misconceptions about Richard are still rife in both non-academic and academic circles, despite rebuffs from a number of quarters. It is important that we never become complacent in our endeavours to correct these, whenever and wherever we can.
We hope to encourage members to get involved with research projects that we will be setting up and are also open to suggestions on where our resources could be used.
For example, there are many contemporary records, both in the UK and abroad, that are yet to be catalogued, let alone read and studied.
Just imagine if the Act of Settlement, more commonly known as ‘Titulus Regius’ (title of the king) had never been discovered? It is the act of Parliament that legitimised Richard as a true king of England by right. Some people still call Richard III a usurper, but with it we are able to explain that this is simply not true and have evidence to back up our words.
What if we were able to find documentation that showed that Richard, as a caring uncle, had taken his nephews to a safe place once they had been declared illegitimate? Could evidence for this be found in Europe? Or further proof of William, Lord Hastings’ treason?
Once we grow as an organisation, we also hope that we will be in the position to offer scholarships to both academics and members of the public who are undertaking studies and projects linked with the society’s purposes.
If you have any ideas on where research could be focused, or interested in becoming involved, then please contact our research officer, Dr. AJ Hibbard MD (email: research.officer@r3loyalsupporters.org)
Education
There are a number of ways that this is, or will be, approached, and again anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to contact a member of the committee.
- Publications produced by the society, including in-depth booklets for sale at events and online, or leaflets created and made available at different Ricardian sites throughout the UK and northern Europe to explain that particular location’s connection to Richard and his story.
- Organising educational events and tours for both members and non-members.
- Speaking out when we have a chance to other members of the public, perhaps while visiting a Ricardian site. We just ask that if members do so while representing the society, you maintain a certain level of decorum and politeness.
Continuing to be a voice for Richard
In recent years it became apparent that, although many groups consider themselves pro-Richard and have done much to encourage a more positive view of the man and king over the years, there was a lack of an official voice for Richard as a once-living, sentient human being, who had wishes of his own and is not just a historical relic to be exploited.
We wish to ensure that he does indeed still have those who will never cease to speak of how he wished to be remembered after his death, and make every attempt to ensure that any injustice and dishonour to his memory and person is met with a voice standing in his defence; to right any wrongs made against his memory, person or remains.
Adopting Historical Sites
As we grow as a society we also wish to become more involved in the continued care of sites that are connected with Richard’s life, including those associated with his contemporary loyal supporters.
