A PORTRAIT of King Richard III looked down on 200 guests at the Mercure Bowdon Hotel at the launch of a book by Bowdon historian Nigel Green, ‘The King’s Dogge’.

Set in the fifteenth century, it is about Francis Lovell, King Richard’s friend and battle strategist.

A surprise visitor was Lynne Allan, chairman of the Portico Library. She announced that Nigel’s book qualified for entry into the Portico’s biennial prize for literature for books set in , or about, the north of England.

She, and all the speakers, were introduced by Barbara Hallwood of Marketing Profile who had helped with the launch.

Nigel said: “Richard III is the most controversial king in the past 500 years.

“Until now, the majority of plays, films and books have portrayed him either as a goody or a baddy.

“My book will revolutionise your thoughts.”

He spoke of Richard’s wife, Anne Neville. “It was her, not Richard, who called the shots,” he said.

A cake, replicating the book’s cover, was cut by the Mayor of Trafford, Councillor Dylan Butt.

Among the guests, all of whom received signed copies, were Graham Brady, MP for Altrincham and Sale West; Warren Smith, Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester; broadcasters Felicity Goodey and Becky Want; athlete Diane Modahl and Messenger editor Keith Morris.

*The King’s Dogge Visit troubador.co.uk for more information about ‘The King’s Dogge’.