Now is the winter of our discontent/made glorious summer by this sun of York

This news story has captured my interest for three reasons.  First, it involves human remains (they're everywhere!).  Second, it involves a key player in the War of the Roses.  Third, it involves one of Shakespeare's most well-known historical characters. 

English archaelogists are reporting that there is "strong evidence" that the remains of Richard III (2 October 1452 – 22 August 1485), the last member of the Plantagenet dynasty to rule England, have been found under a parking lot in London.  Richard is best known, perhaps inaccurately, for causing the deaths of his young nephews, the so-called "Princes in the Tower."  Made Lord Protector of England in 1483 following the death of his older brother King Edward IV, Richard took charge of the 12 year old Edward and 10 year old Richard, who both outranked him in the line of succession.  But the marriage of Edward IV and the boys' mother, Elizabeth Woodville, was declared invalid after the boys disappeared in Richard's care, and the next day, Richard III was crowned.  Unpopular and perceived as weak, Richard faced strong opposition from other nobles and died in 1485 at the Battle of Bosworth Field, when Henry Tudor's armies were triumphant.  Richard's death marked the last time a King of England was killed in battle and launched the still-fascinating Tudor dynasty.

Coolest thing about the video below -- there appear to be knights guarding the remains.  Real knights!

 

Tanya Marsh