I Just Take Pictures

This is the Site of the recent archeological dig in Leicester in the hunt for King Richard III

In Grey Friars Street, there is a parking lot that is planned to be dug up and developed however the University of Leicester stepped in because it was thought to be the site of Grey Friars Church and the possible buriel site of King RIchard III

On 12 September University of Leicester archaeological team revealed their historical findings of skeleton with apparent battle wounds and curvature of the spine.

I quote "it was announced there is strong circumstantial evidence that the human remains discovered at the Grey Friars site could be Richard III.

The remains had suffered injuries consistent with battle wounds. The man also had severe scoliosis (a form of curvature of the spine). But he did not have kyphosis and therefore did not have a 'hunch-back' as described by some Tudor sources.

The official press statement outlines five significant aspects of the remains, which have been carefully exhumed and are now in a secret location:

1. The remains – a fully articulated skeleton – appear to be of an adult male.

2. The skeleton was found in what is believed to be the choir of the church, the area reported in the historical record as the burial place of King Richard III.

3. The back of the skull appears to have suffered a significant injury consistent with a blow from a bladed implement.

4. A barbed iron arrowhead was found between vertebrae of the upper back.

5. The skeleton has spinal abnormalities - probably severe scoliosis, which would have made the right shoulder appear higher than the left. The skeleton does not have kyphosis – ie. was not a hunchback."

The remains have been carefully excavated and transported for DNA analysis with a decendant of the King.

It could rewrite a little bit of history with the findings if indeed the body is of Richard III

A recent article in the Leicester Mercury quoted Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society said a private secretary to the Queen had confirmed the Palace was not interested in claiming the king and would rather see him buried in Leicester rather than have him buried at Westminster Abbeyor Windsor Castle. They have said that it is not because they don't want him buried in the abbey or castle but because he died in Leicester and was buried in Leicester for 500 years, he should stay in Leicester.

Michael Ibsen, a descendent of Richard III who is the genetic dna donor being used to test the remains found, said he also thinks the remains should stay in Leicester if it is indeed the king.

Usual archaeological practice to re-inter as close to the site of discovery as possible and the site is in the shadow of Leicester Cathedral so therefore it could be possible and welcomed by the cathedral to be re-inter at Leicester Cathedral.

In the choir of the cathedral there is already a perfect spot and that is of the memorial from King Richard itsself.

I do hope that should it prove to be Richard that he is laid to rest close to where he was originally buried.