King Richard III ruled from 1483 until his death on the battlefield of Bosworth Field during the War of the Roses. After his death, King
Richard's body was brought to Leicester and buried at Greyfriars Church. The
location of both the Greyfriars church and Richard III's grave were eventually
lost to history – until recently.
In August 2012, archaeologists of the University ofLeicester began excavating a city council parking lot in Leicester. There were
strong indications that the remains of the Greyfriars church could be under it.
The archaeological team unearthed floor tiles, window frames
and other remnants of the medieval church, as well as a battle-bruised skeleton.
Since it had trauma to the skull and an arrowhead lodged in its spine, there
were strong indications that the archaeologists did indeed unearthed the mortal
remains of King Richard III. The skeleton also had scoliosis, or an abnormally
curved spine, consistent with contemporary accounts of Richard III's appearance
Needless to say, the find caused a stir. Legally speaking,
the University of Leicester has jurisdiction over the remains, since it is
overseeing the excavation and analysis of all finds. But various societies, including the
U.S.-based Richard III Foundation and the Society of Friends of Richard III
based in York, England, argue that the remains should be reburied in York, claim
jurisdiction. The Richard III Society has been involved with the archaeological
dig in Leicester.
At this time, the University of Leicester stated that it
will officially announce the results of the laboratory analysis of the bones. "If
the identity of the remains is confirmed, Leicester Cathedral will continue to
work with the Royal Household, and with the Richard III Society, to ensure that
his remains are treated with dignity and respect and are reburied with the
appropriate rites and ceremonies of the church," the Very Reverend
Vivienne Faull, the Dean of Leicester, said in a statement.
Online petition argued that the reburial should take place
at Westminster Abbey, Windsor Castle, or in York (the city where he was
reportedly building a chapel at the time of his death).
One thing is for sure – even in death, King Richard III created
legal waves!
