There is a planning application from a Japanese owned company to build a test/race track for driverless cars on part of the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field.  This is a personal response.

 

A hearse, a hearse, my kingdom for a hearse!

For carting off our history - and what, pray, could be worse?

Richard Crookback was brought to book at famous Bosworth Field

And the Plantagenets to the Tudors were finally forced to yield.

England's ancient history was changed for evermore

On that field of dead and dying, and wounded by the score.

Preserved for years for all to see as much as it was then

It's now seen as mere real estate by those who have the Yen 

To build a testing track for cars that steer without human hand

Regardless of the legacy represented by the land. 

Submitting their proposal for this dismissive desecration

They talk about employment (but profit their destination!)

What care they for such a place far beyond their own

To even consider such a plan where Englishmen have known

The tide of history sweep across their fields of English green

Where even now the view they knew can be visited and seen.

Where Henry Tudor looked out across to Richard's gathered forces

And where the fierce battle commenced - changing so many courses.

The fate of a nation was decided there in that bloody battle

Through blood to wade in death's shade, slain like so many cattle.

Have we lost the sight of WHY we've protected such a place

To even think of handing it over to build a track to race

Cars that even now are just the latest lad's invention

And in the minds of most of us barely rate a moment's mention?

What price our matchless history...and what lesson are we taught

By those who would apply for permission just because they bought

Part of the famous battle site that our generations have known

And use that passing ownership to rule as from a throne?

Imagine their response if the English did likewise in Japan...

Think upon the outrage that would react to such a plan;

So let the answer always be NO - and be made loud and clear...

We won't allow such a thing to ever happen here!

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