Bow Bridge 3, River Soar (Grand Union Canal) (Leicester)

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Dating from 1861, this bridge replaced an earlier one of 1666, which in turn replaced a much earlier one over which King Richard crossed in 1485 on his way to his fateful encounter with Henry at Bosworth Field. Legend is that after Richard's death his bones were thrown into the river near here.

In spite of there being no documented proof of this event, some person (believed to be Benjamin Broadbent) possessed of peculiar means of information or of powers of divination, not accorded to ordinary mortals, forever settled the question by the erection of this plaque in 1856.

Asked about the authority for this statement, Mr. Broadbent admitted that he was relying solely on local tradition. And regrettably his large and prominent plaque has served to reinforce the dubious tradition which it celebrates.

On the north side of the bridge are the arms of Richard and on the south side those of Henry Tudor.

It is to be noted that this bridge's designation is No.1 West Bridge.