King In A Car-Park: Skeleton Discovered In Dig Is King Richard III

Tests have revealed that a skeleton found under a car park in Leicester is that of King Richard III.

Lead archaeologist at the University of Leicester Richard Buckley said the tests proved the remains were the king’s “beyond reasonable doubt”.

Deputy registrar Richard Taylor described the discovery as “truly astonishing”.

The Irish Times reports that archaeologists previously said there was strong circumstantial evidence to suggest the bones, exhumed from a car park behind social services offices in the city are those of the Plantagenet king but did not want to make any decision before the skeleton was subjected to a number of tests.

The skeleton was exhumed in September last year during a dig. It was discovered with a metal arrow in its back and severe trauma to the skull.

It was found in the same area of what was Grey Friars church where Richard III was allegedly buried after his death at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

The skeleton had a curved spine, as described in accounts of Richard III’s appearance, and the remains were said to be in a good condition.

Richard III’s demise was dramatised by Shakespeare, who had the king calling out “a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse” before he was killed on the battlefield.

Tests at the university confirmed that the skeleton is that of King Richard III.