Alltop.com

Once it was the place where members of the Leicester City Council parked their cars, but those rides will likely have to look for new digs after tomorrow’s announcement on what may be a remarkable archaeological find.

In 1485, when the final king of England to be killed in battle buried, the area was a medieval Franciscan friary believed to be Richard III’s final resting place.

Richard III ruled for only two years before his death during the Battle of Bosworth Field. Despite his short rule, he gained extra fame a century after his death, when William Shakespeare penned “Richard III,” immortalizing the king in a play. Since his death, Richard III has been the focus of much interest. Over the years, his lost grave spurred fanciful rumors about where his body had gone, including that his bones were thrown into the Soar River and that his coffin was used as a horse-trough. These tales have been discredited, according to Philippa Langley, a member of the Richard III Society, which is collaborating on the excavations.

Historical records led researchers to the site and human remains have been discovered, though the world will have to wait for the final word until tomorrow.

“What we have uncovered is truly remarkable and today (Wednesday, Sept. 12) we will be announcing to the world that the search for King Richard III has taken a dramatic new turn,” said Richard Taylor, the director of corporate affairs at the University of Leicester.

Though exciting for the sake of history, anyone who’s ever had their parking lot closed and been late hunting for a spot surely feels some pity for the City Council. Perhaps they got a free bus pass or two for their trouble.

Full story at LiveScience.

Digging for kings.

Photo credit: Fotolia