The ''Discovery'' of King Richard III

By Crusader1307

Richard III was King of England for only 3 years before His death in battle in 1485 (The Battle of Bosworth Field – The War of The Roses). The last of The Yorkist Dynasty – much of His ‘’infamy’’ and poor character reputation, was based on the Victors written perception (as is a common state in History).  Richard was the last English Monarch to participate (physically) in open Combat. His defeat and death became a focal point in English Propaganda for many decades thereafter. In fact, His ‘’lionization’’ would become fodder for Playwright William Shakespeare. But for many Centuries, the physical remains of The King garnered legendary status. Just ‘’where’’ where they and would they ever be discovered. The Search for Richard IIIs body became somewhat of a generational search, becoming a ‘’Holy Grail’’ (of sorts) for Archaeologists. But first, One must familiarize themselves with a bit of background.

The so named ‘’War of The Roses’’ (which identified the Heraldic symbols of The Royal Houses of York and Lancaster – aka ‘’Tudor’’), would be among the last of The English Dynastic Civil Wars. These two great Houses vied with open rebellion and political intrigue for decades with each other. Both had viable claims to The Throne. By the 1480s, open War had begun again with the enthronement of Richard III (York). Two Armies were raised, each with the goal of ‘’settling’’ the dispute – once and for all. The Yorkist Leader was natural King Richard III. And, as was quite common – he personally led His Army into the field. The two would clash at Bosworth Field (Leicestershire, England).

Richard was cut off from His Army and Guard by Tudor Forces. Surrounded like a ‘’wild and trapped animal’’, a previous nights rain turned the field muddy. This caused His Horse to pitch when surrounded by Enemy Troops, which in tun caused it to throw His heavily armored Master to the ground. Although stunned, it is given that Richard fought (briefly). But according to Lancasterian Legend, Richard was stabbed, hacked and bashed to death by Soldiers. Once clearly identified as Richard, His corpse was placed on a Horse and ‘’paraded thru Town’’. The Victors allowed all to ‘’stab and cut’’ (humiliation would), Richards battered body. But before any final disposition with regards to Richard’s corpse could be planned, a Priory of Monks stole the body. They buried it and kept their secret…for Centuries it seems. Richard and His mythos would go into English History and both curiosity and Tyrant.

Far from tyranny, Richard III was not altogether a ‘’bad Ruler’’. In fact, He was rather traditional with regards to those many that came before and after. No doubt continued rebellions with His Rivals, political intrigue from both sides and of course His health were all contributing factors to a ‘’bad reputation’’. Richard was born with a congenital case of Scoliosis which gave Him a ‘’hunched’’ appearance from His severe curving of the spine. This also caused one of His legs to be shorter than then other. These markers would come in handy – 800 years later.

Lancaterian Victors needed to justify the fact that Richard’s body was stolen by ‘’loyal Monks’’. They began the propaganda that Richard’s body was dumped into a River to rot. But in time, others came forward with various burial locations (far and wide). When Historians began their quest to ‘’locate’’ Richard, there were too many locations. Perhaps His corpse really was ‘’thrown into the hazard’’ (as it were. But after many years of waiting, The King was found – by accident.

While demolishing a Parking Lot near the proposed Site of The Monks Priory of the 15th Century in 2012, several skeletal remains were uncovered. It was obviously an unknown portion of the ancient Chapel graveyard. Construction halted for Archaeologists to examine and eventually remove the remain. But one ‘’skeleton’’ had a very odd appearance. The skeleton had an extreme curved spine and bore gruesome injuries. Could this be what Historians had long searched for – the remains of King Richard III? Careful forensic examination bore testament to the ‘’persons’’ death. Bone evidence showed hacking by bladed weapons, stabbing (scraping) and the ‘’final straw’’ – the skull had it’s rear structure completely smashed in. All elements the injuries were consistent with possibly being the famed King. But it was the final ‘’piece of the puzzle’’ that sealed the Case. DNA. But just how does One get 800 year old remain identified today? Simple…..a descendant.

It seems that a long lost but viable and living descendant of Richard was alive (after a private campaign to locate anyone who thought they may be related). It appeared that a Male distant relative could claim a direct blood link to Richard. After a comparison, it was official. King Richard III WAS FOUND. But next came the political drama which apparently still haunts England.

As the deposed King of a vanquished Monarchy, the current House of Windsor (the direct heir to The Tudor Throne), would not recognize (officially) Richard nor authorize a ‘’State Funeral’’ (of which as King He was well entitled). Further, a debate arose as to just ‘’where’’ Richard would finally ‘’rest’’. The current English Monarchy would not allow Westminster Cathedral (or related) to be used (as these, and others were currently the resting place of Tudor Royalty). It was decided that Kling Richard would be placed at Leicester Cathedral in Leicester. Although it was known that many other Cities would have been chosen by Richard Himself as part of His burial plans (done in life), English Law dictates that any Noble or related archaeological remain be placed in the custody of the closest Religious Facility (ie - a Church or Chapel burial). A proper casket and solemn procession would be shown in 2015 (internationally), as the ‘’Once and Future King’’ – Richard III was finally laid to formal rest.