Richard III: Discovery and identification

King Richard III stained glass window at Cardiff Castle - credit Geoff Wheeler

Richard III: Discovery and identification

In August 2012, the University of Leicester in collaboration with the Richard III Society and Leicester City Council, began one of the most ambitious archaeological projects ever attempted: no less than a search for the lost grave of King Richard III. The last English king to die in battle.

Incredibly, the excavation uncovered not only the friary of Grey Friars but also a battle-scarred skeleton with spinal curvature. On 4 February 2013, the University announced to the world's press that these were the remains of King Richard III.

Read about the background to the search, the discovery and identification of the remains - and the implications for our understanding of history.

NEW: As we approach the 10th anniversary of the discovery and identification of the remains of King Richard III, listen to a series of podcasts by Turi King, Professor of Public Engagement and Genetics, and the team involved in this historic project.

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