CELEBRATIONS are taking place in the region to mark the anniversary of the crowing of Richard III - and a York museum has secured an iconic portrait of the king.

This weekend would normally be the Middleham Celebrates Richard III Festival, timed to coincide with the anniversary of his coronation on July 6.

Richard III spent many childhood years at the castle and the town annually celebrations the connection.

Sadly for the second time, Covid restrictions have led to the the festival's cancellation but a smaller, alternative event is still taking place.

Middleham Castle manager Gillian Savage has invited three authors to read extracts from their books about Richard III within the castle.

The writers, Alex Marchant, Joanne Larner and Susan Kokomo Lamb, will read at various points around the castle, as well as having stalls to sell their own and other historical fiction books.

The stalls and many of the readings will be outside the main gateway of the castle, so entry isn't required - although it is possible for visitors now to walk up and buy tickets on the door.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Museum in York has been loaned the world-famous late 16th century portrait of Richard III from the National Portrait Gallery.

It will go on display as part of a new exhibition from July 9 to October 31.

The painting, which has become synonymous with the depiction of Richard III, will be displayed alongside the museum’s existing linked collections such as the Middleham Jewel, The Ryther Hoard and the Stillingfleet Boar Badge worn by one of his supporters.

The loan to the Yorkshire Museum is part of the National Portrait Gallery’s nation-wide Coming Home project, that will see some of its most iconic works travel to the place they are most closely associated with.

Lucy Creighton, curator of archaeology, said: “King Richard III was the last King of the House of York and he remains a well-loved figure in the city.

“It is fantastic to be working with the National Portrait Gallery on this project as it provides a rare opportunity to showcase this iconic piece of fine art alongside the Yorkshire Museum’s collections which includes one of the finest group of objects associated with Richard III in the country.

“We look forward to the arrival of the portrait in the summer and to be able to tell the story of Richard III and his connection to York in this new display.”

Richard III has strong connections to the region.

He spent several childhood years at Middleham Castle in Wensleydale and from 1471 until his death in 1485 he owned Barnard Castle and took particular interest in repairing and altering the building.

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