How One Remarkable Woman Discovered the Lost Burial Place of Richard III

The story of how Philippa Langley discovered the lost burial place of Richard III is a remarkable tale of perseverance, dedication, and historical intrigue. This article delves into the details of her journey, from her initial research to the groundbreaking excavation that finally revealed the king's remains.

The Lost King: How One Remarkable Woman Discovered the Lost Burial Place of Richard III

by Philippa Langley

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7309 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

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A Passion for History

Philippa Langley's passion for history began at a young age. She grew up in a small village in England, where she spent countless hours exploring the local ruins and reading about the country's rich past. Her fascination with the Middle Ages led her to study history at the University of Leicester, where she specialized in the Plantagenet dynasty.

After graduating, Langley worked as a teacher and a museum curator before deciding to pursue her dream of becoming an archaeologist. She enrolled in a postgraduate program at the University of York, where she focused on medieval archaeology. It was during this time that she first became interested in the mystery surrounding the burial place of Richard III.

The Search Begins

Richard III was the last Plantagenet king of England. He died at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, and his body was reportedly buried in the Greyfriars Church in Leicester. However, the church was destroyed during the Reformation, and the king's remains were lost.

For centuries, historians and archaeologists searched for Richard III's grave, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Langley believed that the king's remains were still buried somewhere in Leicester, and she was determined to find them.

In 2004, Langley founded the Richard III Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting research and education about the king. She also began working with a team of archaeologists to conduct a geophysical survey of the Greyfriars site. The survey revealed a number of anomalies that suggested the presence of a buried structure.

The Excavation

In 2012, Langley and her team began an excavation of the Greyfriars site. They carefully removed layers of soil and debris, revealing the remains of the church's foundations. As they dug deeper, they discovered a number of human remains. One of the skeletons was found buried in a lead coffin, which bore the inscription "Richardus Rex."

DNA testing confirmed that the remains were those of Richard III. The discovery was a major breakthrough in English history, and it finally solved the mystery of the king's burial place.

Legacy

Philippa Langley's discovery of Richard III's burial place is a testament to her perseverance, dedication, and passion for history. Her work has shed new light on one of the most enigmatic figures in English history, and it has inspired a new generation of historians and archaeologists.

Langley's story is also a reminder that anything is possible if you set your mind to it. She never gave up on her dream of finding Richard III's remains, even when others told her it was impossible. Her discovery is a testament to the power of human determination.

The Lost King: How One Remarkable Woman Discovered the Lost Burial Place of Richard III

by Philippa Langley

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7309 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	320 pages

FREE