Skeleton in Leicester car park is Richard III

A skeleton found beneath a car park in Leicester has been confirmed as the remains of King Richard III, who was killed at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485.

Researchers from the University of Leicester announced the findings at a press conference on 4 February, saying the evidence was beyond reasonable doubt.

A remarkable find

The skeleton was uncovered in September last year during an excavation of the site of Greyfriars, a medieval friary where Richard was said to have been buried after his death. The friary was demolished in the 16th century and the site was later built over.

The dig was inspired by Philippa Langley of the Richard III Society, who campaigned to find the king's grave.

The evidence

Scientists found several pieces of evidence pointing to Richard. The skeleton was that of a man in his late twenties or early thirties, matching Richard's age of 32 when he died. It had a severe curvature of the spine, known as scoliosis, which would have made one shoulder higher than the other.

The skull had several injuries, including two that would have been fatal, consistent with accounts of the king's death in battle. Radiocarbon dating placed the death in the late 15th or early 16th century.

DNA link

The strongest evidence came from DNA. Genetic material from the bones matched that of two living descendants of Richard's sister, Anne of York, including Michael Ibsen, a Canadian-born furniture maker living in London.

A controversial king

Richard III reigned for just two years. He is often remembered as the villain of Shakespeare's play, accused of murdering his nephews, the princes in the Tower, to seize the throne. Some historians and supporters argue that his reputation was unfairly blackened by the Tudors who defeated him.

His death at Bosworth brought the Wars of the Roses to an end and began the Tudor dynasty under Henry VII.

Reburial

The remains are expected to be reburied in Leicester Cathedral, although some have called for them to be buried in York.

The discovery has created huge public interest, and Leicester is planning a visitor centre on the site.