Second skeleton found at Richard III site (From York Press)

Second skeleton found at Richard III site

9:54am Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News

A second skeleton found by archaeologists searching for the remains of Richard III, the last Yorkist king of England, could be that of a friary’s female founder.

The team carrying out the dig under the car park in Leicester city centre, which is thought to have been the site of the monarch’s last resting place at the Church of Grey Friars, have not yet examined the second set of remains.

The team is also analysing a set of human bones, believed to belong to Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, who was killed at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485. The king had wanted to be buried at York Minster.

The bones caused a row between MPs in the House of Commons – with a handful vying for them to be housed in their constituencies.

York Central MP Hugh Bayley, Labour MP John Mann (Bassetlaw) and Labour colleague Jon Ashworth (Leicester South) have openly bid for the monarch’s remains – if tests prove they are his.

The University of Leicester, in association with Leicester City Council and the Richard III Society, is leading the search for the remains of Richard III.

The outcome of the investigation is expected in January.