richard iii – Manchester Historian

The discovery of Richard III’s remains in Leicester marks a significant moment for both Historians and Archaeologists in this country. The fact that the remains of the king were situated in Leicester is not what is significant, although the ignominy of an English King being buried ungraciously under a car park does make for an Continue Reading

As historians we should be excited by the discovered of Richard III’s body, since it seems very likely indeed that it is his; it is not every day that the bones of an anointed English king are discovered.  The significant scoliosis of the spine is also very interesting, since this seems to bear out contemporary Continue Reading

The entertaining juxtaposition of a King and a car park certainly makes for an eye-catching headline, but the discovery of Richard III’s body does not actually provide much, if any, useful information about his personality or his reign. In spite of our better judgement we still fall into the trap of over-valuing primary sources and Continue Reading