Over the course of this morning, thousands of people will gather in Leicester for the re-interment of the bones of Richard III. Many more – hundreds of thousands certainly – will watch proceedings on TV as Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and the actor Benedict Cumberpatch speak at the ceremony.
What does it mean, though? Two patrician voices, pure and incantatory in their privilege, orating over the boxed skeleton of a man who reigned for a mere two years and whose claim to the throne was, to put it mildly, dubious?
Why does this matter to us? Because, clearly, it does.
All the evidence suggested that Richard’s bones were buried behind the altar of the Greyfriars in Leicester. There was good evidence to show where that altar was. There is a reason, after all, that the archaeological team hit the late king’s resting place with more or less the…
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First Night History 
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An interesting alternative view from the one so apparently widely held at the moment. I am something of a defender of Richard, maligned by history as so many before him, unable to face his accusers. However, I hold no brief for ‘Royalty’ of any kind, so it is highly unlikely that I will be making the trip to Leicester.
Best wishes, Pete.
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You should enjoy the latest Richard III post I’ve just reblogged, which defends him with reason in no uncertain terms.
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Thanks so much for posting all of these, Sarah. I enjoy them and learn from them and am grateful for your efforts in collecting and sharing them.
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It’s a great pleasure, Beth. I’m so glad you’re enjoying them. Thank you for commenting.
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