Specialists are preparing to repair the protective glazing over the grave of King Richard III after it was damaged by a glass bottle. The incident occurred when a visitor's bottle fell from their cargo trousers and shattered on the glazed floor, causing a chip and a radiating crack in the top layer of the triple-glazed panel.
Repair Work and Access
Repair work on the damaged glass is scheduled to begin shortly, with specialists set to remove the compromised section and install a new triple-glazed panel. The council stated that efforts will be made to protect the archaeological remains beneath the glazing and to preserve the scheduled ancient monument. During the repairs, access to the burial site will be restricted for visitors, though the rest of the visitor center will remain open.
The cost of the repairs is estimated at nearly £29,830, with the majority of the expense covered by an insurance claim. Assistant city mayor Vi Dempster apologized for any disruption caused by the closure of the burial site but emphasized the importance of the work. "These essential works will ensure that the historic grave site of King Richard III continues to be protected to the very highest standards, while allowing visitors to experience this globally important heritage site," Dempster said.
The discovery of the remains of King Richard III in 2012 and their subsequent reinterment in Leicester Cathedral in 2015 drew significant public and academic interest. The protective enclosure over his grave was installed to safeguard the site for future study and public viewing.