At a televised press conference on February 3, researchers from the University of Leicester confirmed that the battle-damaged skeleton unearthed last year was that of the king who was killed in the battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

According to the research team, it was a historic moment because the secret surrounding the famous king’s death was finally revealed. Experts had to wait many months before getting DNA results to confirm that they had finally found the grave of King Richard III (1452 – 1485). The skeleton’s DNA sample was similar to one taken from a distant living relative of his.

The 500-year-old remains found under a parking lot in the city of Leicester belong to King Richard III of England.

Photo: PA  

Scientists found a total of 10 wounds on the remains. Photo: DAILY MAIL

King Richard III was buried in a rather shallow grave, without both a coffin and a shroud. When closely observing the remains, they assumed that the ill-fated king was tied up at the time of burial because his bones were severely damaged. Scientists found a total of 10 wounds on the remains, including 8 on the head. This shows that the king seems to have lost his protective helmet.

Historical documents state that the king was buried in a church in Leicester. However, this building was later destroyed and people forgot its location.

Screenwriter Phillipa Langley, who initiated the search for King Richard’s remains, described a cold feeling as she walked through the parking lot in August 2009. “It was a hot summer. For some reason, I got goosebumps and felt cold when walking across that part of the land” – she said.

Portrait of King Richard III restored. Photo: University of Leicester