At 10.00 GMT this morning I was glued to my computer screen. Not for my studies, not for social networking, but to watch a live press conference by the University of Leicester regarding the skeleton they found under a car park last September.
As was to be expected they presented the evidence bit by bit, leaving the ultimate result until the very last moment. What I didn’t expect was how exciting it actually was!
Step by step it became clear that they were indeed going towards a positive identification. Nevertheless it was an extraordinary moment when it was said: these remains are, beyond reasonable doubt, those of Richard III.
Now, this is history in the making!!!
Obviously there is a lot more information than could be presented in a press conference, even a 45 minute one. It will be interesting to read the official publications. Tonight (4 February 2013, 21.00 GMT) there will be a documentary on Channel 4. They have followed the process from the moment the skeleton was found until today. I wouldn’t be surprised if they have more detailed information for us already.
Further reading:
Historyextra.com: Richard III discovery: the experts’ reaction
BBC News: Richard III dig: Skull image released ahead of DNA results
Current Archaeology: Is this the skull of Richard III?
BBC News: Richard III dig: DNA confirms bones are king
University of Leicester: The search for Richard III – completed
Current Archaeology: Richard III: found!
