It may come as a surprise to the thousands of people who have visited the site of one of Britain’s most famous battles, the Battle of Bosworth…they’ve been looking in the wrong place.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded nearly £1 million to answer the question once and for all: where did the Battle of Bosworth really take place in 1485?

In the last few years several theories and debates have surrounded the exact location of the battle. Unlike other battles, Bosworth lacks any eye witness statements, making it all the more difficult to locate the true battlefield. Historical and archaeological experts are now in agreement that the battle did not take place where originally thought.

In a world precedent, the project will uncover the true battlefield through a three year programme of archaeological and topographical studies. Forensic techniques will be used to determine where woodland, marshes, fields and roads would have been situated in 1485 to help with the detective work and determine the true battlefield. Metal detecting will also be used to determine the point where the armies met, known as the ‘clash point’.

The true site is likely to cover a huge area as it is estimated that up to 25,000 soldiers were involved in the battle and the space required to manoeuvre such armies would span several miles.

Made famous by William Shakespeare, Bosworth witnessed the clash between the legendary characters of Richard 111 and Henry Tudor. With his death, Richard became the last King to die in battle and the last to have no known resting place. Henry was crowned King Henry VII marking the end of the War of the Roses and the start of the Tudor England.

As well revealing the clash point, the studies should reveal the route which Henry’s forces chased Richard’s defeated army away from the field and may shed some light on the ultimate resting place of Richard 111, something which until now has been subject to many myths and legends.

The award of £990,000 will also be used to update and refurbish the visitor centre to reflect the new understanding of the infamous battle. The visitor centre will be registered as a museum allowing it to display artefacts uncovered in the digs.

HLF’s regional manager Sheila Stone said, “Bosworth was a key event in the nation’s history and it could be a top tourist attraction. It’s very exciting that we can help settle the debate once and for all and firmly place Bosworth on the tourist map, not to mention conducting a world precedent at the same time!”

The park within which the battle is thought to have taken place will continue to be managed and protected. An additional 2km of footpaths will be created to allow visitors to pass the new battlefield. A section of a railway embankment will also be purchased to provide improved access to the site.