Historic exhibition at Lincoln museum officially opened by Duke of Gloucester

The Battles and Dynasties exhibition has been officially opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester, Prince Richard, today.

Battles and Dynasties is at The Collection museum until Sunday, September 3 and charts the succession of the monarchy and the battles fought to win and secure the crown over the last 900 years, including a host of nationally-significant artefacts and local treasures.

It has been brought together by Lincolnshire County Council and Lord Cormack in partnership with the Historic Lincoln Trust, The National Archives and the British Library.

Artefacts on display have come from institutions all over the country, and America. Some of the items are from private collections and are never usually on display.

Highlights of the exhibition include:

• Van Dyck’s triptych painting of Charles I, generously lent by Her Majesty The Queen from the Royal Collection.
• A prayer book owned by Richard III which he took to Bosworth Field, the last time an English Monarch was killed in battle
• The original 13th century illustration of the Battle of Lincoln, by Matthew Paris.

Councillor Nick Worth, Executive Member for Heritage said: “The exhibition has been designed to celebrate the 800th anniversary of a pivotal moment in British history – the Battle of Lincoln, which saved the crown of Henry III for England.”

Lord Cormack, chairman of the Historic Lincoln Trust, added: “I am most grateful to David Ross and to other generous sponsors for making this historic exhibition possible.”

Tickets for Battles and Dynasties cost £6 for adults, £5 for concessions, £4 for children and are available online.

Prince Richard was in Lincoln earlier today and also officially opened a new building at Bishop Grosseteste University.