Exhumation and reburial of Richard III of England

The King In The Car Park - Page 15 - Figure 12

Exhumation and reburial of Richard III of England refers to the process of finding, excavating, identifying, and subsequently re-interring the remains of Richard III of England, the last Plantagenet king of England, who died in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field, the decisive battle of the Wars of the Roses. This event marked a significant moment in both archaeological and historical research, shedding light on the life and death of a monarch who had been much maligned by history and literature.

Background

Richard III's death in battle and his subsequent burial have been subjects of speculation and mystery for centuries. Historical records suggested that he was buried at the Greyfriars Church in Leicester, but the exact location of his grave was lost to history after the dissolution of the monasteries ordered by Henry VIII of England in the 16th century. Over time, the site of the church and the king's grave was forgotten, with various myths emerging about the fate of his remains.

Discovery

The search for Richard III's grave was initiated by the Looking for Richard project, led by Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society. In August 2012, an archaeological excavation was undertaken by the University of Leicester Archaeological Services in a city council car park in Leicester, identified as the most likely location of the Greyfriars Church. Remarkably, on the first day of the dig, human remains were uncovered that showed signs of battle injuries and scoliosis, a condition known to have afflicted Richard III.

Identification

The remains were subjected to rigorous scientific analysis, including radiocarbon dating, which confirmed that they belonged to the late 15th century, and DNA testing, which matched the DNA of two of Richard III's living relatives. Additional evidence, such as the spinal curvature and the nature of the skull injuries, consistent with contemporary accounts of Richard's death, supported the identification. In February 2013, the University of Leicester announced that the remains were indeed those of Richard III, making it one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in British history.

Reburial

Following the identification, a debate ensued regarding the most appropriate final resting place for the king. While some advocated for reburial in Leicester Cathedral, others felt that York Minster would be more fitting, given Richard's own connections to the North of England. Ultimately, it was decided that Richard III would be reinterred in Leicester Cathedral. The reburial service took place on 26 March 2015, in a ceremony that combined traditional Anglican rites with elements reflecting the king's Plantagenet heritage. The event was attended by members of the royal family, dignitaries, and thousands of people from around the world, marking the end of a remarkable journey from the battlefield to a tomb in the cathedral.

Legacy

The exhumation and reburial of Richard III have had a profound impact on the public's understanding of historical and archaeological research. It has sparked renewed interest in the life and reign of Richard III, challenging the predominantly negative portrayal of the king in literature, most notably in Shakespeare's play Richard III. The discovery has also highlighted the capabilities of modern science to solve historical mysteries, providing a unique insight into the life and death of one of England's most controversial monarchs.