Richard III and the Historian's Quest
Paul Lay reflects on the seemingly endless fascination with Richard's usurpers.
We hope soon to learn the identity of the skeleton of the medieval man with curvature of the spine found under a car park in Leicester. Will it be the body of Richard III, felled at nearby Bosworth in 1485?
If DNA tests confirm that it is, it will be one of the most important finds of its kind for many years, though it will not change many historians’ understanding of Richard, his short reign and the loss of his kingdom to the Tudors. So far as I am concerned, yes, he was the victim of Tudor propaganda, though the poison portrait of him painted by Shakespeare is why he still lives in the popular imagination. Otherwise his reign was brief, unsuccessful and sullied by blood. Despite that, anything that raises wider interest in medieval history must be welcomed. If the skeleton is that of Richard, interest in the late Middle Ages will soar, as will the arguments.
To continue reading this article you need to purchase a subscription, available from only £5.
Start my trial subscription now
If you have already purchased access, or are a print & archive subscriber, please ensure you are logged in.
Please email digital@historytoday.com if you have any problems.
