The missing skeleton of King Richard III of Britain has been found, archeologists and historians believe, but the final confirmation is still in the works. The bones were found, appropriately enough to modern society, in a parking lot, reports Fox News on Sunday, Feb. 3.
Richard III was king for only two years, from 1483-1485 – long before most of the better-remembered kings and queens. He reportedly stole the throne, and then he was killed in in a famous battle at Bosworth Field – part of the War of the Roses. The skeleton apparently has an arrow stuck in the spine, and a deformed back, both of which fit with historical record.
The king was buried in a churchyard. Then the church, itself, was lost to history. Last August, however, archeologists from the University of Leichester followed up on some information about the location of the long-lost Greyfriers church, in the parking lot of a city council building.
They began excavating, and they soon discovered stones and windowsills, and floor tiles from the medieval building. And underneath, they discovered a skeleton – battle-scarred and battered, with the embedded arrowhead and the curved spine.
Now, two different historical societies are arguing over what should be done with the remains, should they pass scientific testing. The Richard III Foundation is in the U.S., and the Society of Friends of Richard III is based in York. A third group, the Richard III Society, is also in Britain. It’s odd that Richard III, an unpopular king, should have so many friends, 600 years after his death.
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