Battle of Bosworth Site to Become Driverless Car Testing Track
The Battle of Bosworth: A Historic Clash
On August 22, 1485, the Battle of Bosworth Field unfolded, marking a pivotal moment in English history. The clash between Richard III and Henry VII resulted in the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the rise of the Tudors. Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, was killed in the battle, and Henry VII was crowned the first Tudor king.
Driverless Car Testing Track Approved
Over 500 years later, the site of the Battle of Bosworth is set to undergo a significant transformation. The Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council has approved the development of an $34 million, 83-acre driverless car testing track on a portion of the historic battlefield. The track, spearheaded by automaker Horiba Mira, is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the area.
Controversy and Opposition
The decision to build the driverless car testing track on the Battle of Bosworth site has sparked controversy among historians and battlefield enthusiasts. A Change.org petition to halt the project garnered roughly 15,000 signatures, and the Battlefields Trust, a national heritage organization, has vowed to appeal the decision. Concerns have been raised that the track will damage the historic battlefield and set a dangerous precedent for development on other heritage sites.
Horiba Mira’s Response
Horiba Mira has defended its decision not to move the driverless car testing track off the Battle of Bosworth site. The company claims that shifting the track south would shorten it and prevent it from conducting necessary tests. However, Horiba has pledged to conduct digital mapping of the battlefield to add further insights on the historic clash.
Richard III’s Last Stand
The portion of the Battle of Bosworth site affected by the driverless car testing track is significant, as it is where Henry VII entered the battle and where Richard III was killed. Richard III, a skilled warrior who had played a key role in the Wars of the Roses, was determined to reach Tudor and challenge him directly. However, his efforts were thwarted by the arrival of the Stanley brothers, who turned the tide of the battle in Tudor’s favor.
The Stanley Brothers’ Betrayal
Thomas and William Stanley were notorious for their unreliable loyalty. Despite being the stepfather of Henry Tudor, Thomas Stanley initially held back his forces during the Battle of Bosworth. However, after witnessing Tudor’s dire straits, William Stanley and his troops rode out in support of the future king. This betrayal sealed Richard III’s fate and paved the way for the Tudor dynasty.
Legacy of the Battle of Bosworth
The Battle of Bosworth Field remains a fascinating and pivotal event in English history. The battle marked the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the beginning of the Tudor era, which would shape the course of English history for over a century. The decision to build a driverless car testing track on the site of the battle has reignited interest in this historic event, highlighting the importance of preserving our heritage while embracing technological advancements.
