In 1485, Richard III rode south down the street towards Market Bosworth for the Battle of Bosworth against Henry Tudor; the street was crowded with people wanting to see him and cheer him off. After Richard lost the battle, his naked body was put on a horse and ridden back along the same route. In the mid-20th century, Narborough Road was closer to being a residential area; it then became a fashion street, with its retail units mainly selling clothes and fabrics.