The Car-Park King: Richard III

One of the most notorious kings, Richard III was the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty and the final ruler of the Wars of the Roses. His short reign was marked by his political failures and ruthlessness – which later became the subject of many works of literature, such as Shakespeare's Richard III. 

It can be said that Richard III's hostility towards the heirs that precede him is the reason for his ill reputation. The disappearance of the Princes in the Tower—Edward V and his younger brother Prince Richard—who were imprisoned in the Tower of London, ruined the king’s public image and challenged his power. It was speculated that Richard III killed his own nephews for the sake of his long-desired reign. 

The Battle of Bosworth, which took place in 1485, faced Richard III against Henry Tudor (later Henry VII), the main Lancastrian pretender to the throne, and it was the most significant event of his time as a monarch. Richard III was killed and his forces were defeated. The event of his death had been a subject of historical debate that many historians argued upon. Richard III is said to have fought valiantly but was ultimately defeated and killed on the battlefield. It is said that he was struck in the head, most likely by a poleaxe or halberd, and died after being unhorsed. 

But what happened to his body after his death on the battleground?

Richard III's remains were discovered in 2012 under a parking lot in Leicester, England. That is why he is called "The Car-Park King".

In August 2012, thanks to the University of Leicester, the excavation of King Richard III had started. The archaeologists first located Richard III’s whereabouts when he died, then conducted a meticulous unearthing of the Lancastrian king’s corpse. The skeleton was exhumed, and the process of identification began. By using DNA samples, researchers from the University of Leicester were able to link the bones to Richard III's descendants' DNA. The bones' carbon analysis placed their date of origin between 1455 and 1440, which is when Richard III was killed. In addition, it was determined that the bones belonged to a man in his late 20s or early 30s, and Richard III died at the age of 32. Furthermore, the bones showed indications of scoliosis, which was by descriptions of Richard's physical attributes made at the time.

After this groundbreaking discovery, plans were made for the reinterment of Richard III's remains. The reburial ceremony took place at Leicester Cathedral in 2015. In addition to the attendance of the Royal Family, actor Benedict Cumberbatch was involved in this occasion - as Richard III's descendant. The British actor is Richard III's second cousin, 16 times removed. Cumberbatch recited a poem titled " Richard" for his distant relative's final journey. 

History, royalty, and popular culture all emerged together for the reinterment of Richard III. It was the fruit of years of archeological study and historical dedication to providing the king a respectable burial after his bones were found under a parking lot. Years of royal legacy were discovered with him.