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Richard 3
1. So how long does it take to excavate, record and lift a skeleton?
On average, given good soil conditions and experienced staff, it can
be expected that
2 skeletons can be excavated, recorded and lifted per day by each
excavator.
Once a skeleton has been excavated and recorded it will be ready for
lifting out of the ground and placing in packaging material, in order for
the skeleton to be taken out of the excavation area for processing (i.e.
washing and marking). In order to help the processing and assessment
phases of the project run smoothly, skeletons are removed from the
ground and systematically placed in plastic bags according to anatomical
areas of the body.
2. On site, an osteoarchaeologist will be able to decide whether the
remains need to be
block-lifted with the surrounding soil matrix to preserve the integrity of
fragile
remains (i.e. neonates, cremated bone in fragmented urns, pathological
bones) or
whether bones may be lifted individually.
Soil samples may be taken from the abdominal and/or chest areas of
the body
Samples of hair may also be taken where there is soft tissue
preservation. Prior to removal, human remains need to be fully
recorded in situ in order to understand their surrounding
archaeological context.
This will include recording any disturbances to the burial, identification
of bones present, recording of the position of the body, recording the
direction of the grave, noting any stratigraphic relationships with other
archaeological features and also any accompanying records, such as
drawings, photographs, associated finds and samples
taken.
3. DNA
The bones were lifted by archaeologists wearing forensic body suits in an
effort to limit contamination by modern materials.
DNA will be extracted from the bones and tested against descendants of
Richard's family.
Dr Turi King, who is leading the DNA analysis, said: "It is extremely exciting
and slightly nerve-wracking.
"We have extracted teeth from the skull, so we have that and a femur, and we
are optimistic we will get a good sample from those."
The tests are expected to take about 12 weeks to complete.
If their identity is confirmed, Leicester Cathedral said it would work with the
Royal Household, and with the Richard III Society, to ensure the remains
were treated with dignity and respect and reburied with the appropriate rites
and ceremonies of the church.
4.
5. As the defeated foe, Richard was given a low-key
burial in the Franciscan friary of Greyfriars.
This was demolished in the 1530s, but documents
describing the burial site have survived.
8. The reburial of remains of Richard III should not be the subject
of a "finders, keepers agreement", York Outer MP Julian
Sturdy has argued.
York MPs are unhappy the University of Leicester, which
excavated the remains, will decide where the King is re-
interred, and not the government.
They argue that the King wanted to be buried in York Minster,
not Leicester Cathedral - the university's choice.
14. In August 2012, the University of Leicester in collaboration with the
Richard III Society and Leicester City Council, began one of the most
ambitious archaeological projects ever attempted: no less than a
search for the lost grave of King Richard III.
the excavation uncovered not only the friary - preserved
underneath a council car park - but also a battle-
scarred skeleton with spinal curvature. On 4th February
2013, the University announced to the world's press
that these were the remains of Richard III.
15. Richard III Society commissions ULAS (University of Leicester Archaeological
Services) to conduct a desk-based assessment of the Greyfriars area, using
old maps and documents to trace the development and use of the land.
This identifies two potential areas for excavation: the Leicester City Council
Social Services staff car park and the adjacent playground of the former
Alderman Newton’s School. A third area, a public car park on New Street, is
also potentially available.
A ground-penetrating radar (GPR)
survey of the three areas reveals modern
utilities such as water and gas mains, plus
a number of ambiguous shapes.
A ‘Written Scheme of Investigation’ is
produced by Richard Buckley of ULAS with
details of the size and position of two trial
trenches to be excavated
16.
17. Friday 14 September 2012
The vulnerable archaeology is covered with a geo-permeable
membrane and hand-covered with soil to protect it before the
trenches are backfilled using a digger.
Greyfriars is once again a car park and a disused school
playground.
27. The Greyfriars Project had a series of five
progressive research objectives:
1.Find the remains of the Franciscan friary.
2.Identify clues to the position/orientation of
the buildings.
3.Within the friary, locate the church.
4.Within the church, locate the choir.
5.Within the choir, locate the mortal remains
of Richard III.