School children get first glimpse of historic stone coffin

School children from Weavers Close Primary School in Earl Shilton have been treated to an exclusive look at the infamous stone coffin which was recently excavated at David Wilson East Midlands' Lanterns development on Candle Lane.

The stone coffin, which some believe could be that of King Richard III, has attracted much media attention and even featured on BBC 1's The One Show. Since its excavation in November, the coffin has been looked after at David Wilson's development so that local schools could come and take a special look at this fascinating historic artefact.

A total of 180 children, aged between five and eleven years, were amongst the first to view this historical artefact. Groups of up to 30 children were brought down over a two day period and during their visit they were shown the site of the excavation, the actual stone coffin and were even given a talk by experts from the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre about the history of the coffin and where it could have come from.

Penny Butler, a teacher from Weavers Close, organised the visit. She comments "We are very grateful to David Wilson for inviting us to see the recently unearthed coffin in Earl Shilton. We were very impressed by the way the visits have been organised and the children have come back to school buzzing. Having an expert from Bosworth Battlefield was great as they were able to tell us all about all the little details teaching staff would not have thought about.

"It is important that the children learn about their village and its history. We also need them to see and touch real historical artefacts and learn about their use and construction. We are thankful to David Wilson for giving the children this wonderful opportunity to see history on their doorstep and making their visit so enjoyable."

Philip Lacey, Sales Director for David Wilson says "It was always our intention to invite local school children to come and take an exclusive look at the stone coffin before we donate it to the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre in the New Year.

"The experts from the centre made the visit particularly interesting as they were able to tell the children all about the history of the coffin and how it's linked to King Richard III, and it was great to see lots of enthusiastic faces all eager to ask questions.

"As a company, we are committed to involving the local community in exciting projects such as this and hopefully the children and teachers from Weavers Close Primary enjoyed, as well as learnt from, their visit to this fascinating artefact."

The stone coffin will remain at the development until the New Year when it will be donated to the Battle of Bosworth Heritage Centre to be put on show for members of the public.

Situated on Candle Lane, The Lanterns is a stunning collection of one-, two-, three- and four- bedroom homes in a picturesque mature setting. Prices at the development start from £89,950.

For more information log on to Dwh.co.uk.