1. I was there … Writing mysteries A writing activity for use alongside The Body in the Car Park

2. Stage One Starting off: Imagine the scene... It is the Battle of Bosworth, and you are there. You are on Henry VII's side, as a squire carrying your master's flag. You are not directly involved in the fighting, but are able to see exactly what goes on. Now it’s time to tell the world the truth of what happened to Richard III that day.

3. Stage Two The battle is at its height. Write down where you are and what you are doing: Are you watching the battle from a hill? Or are you close to it, perhaps hiding or watching from nearby trees? What can you see and hear? Describe the sights and sounds of battle. Don't just include the 'events’, but describe what the knights are wearing, how the horses behave and the sounds made (think about the clashing weapons, the cries and shouts).

4. Stage Three You see the king! You watch as Richard appears. Describe his appearance and his behaviour. Does he look as you have been told? (Does he have a hunchback? What is he wearing? How do you know he is the king?) How does he fight? What do you feel as you see him surrounded by Henry's men? Does anyone notice you watching?

5. Stage Four The king falls from his horse! Describe the moment when the King is knocked from his horse. What does he say or shout? (Does he call for help from his men? Or shout at Henry's soldiers? Or both?) Write the dialogue between Richard and the men from Henry's side.

6. Stage Five The king is killed … What really happens? Is he surrounded and killed by lots of knights at the same time? Or does one particular person kill him? If so, who is it? Lord Stanley? Or Henry himself? Or is it someone else altogether? Perhaps Richard escapes and … you kill him! YOU decide …